'I understand calls to leave Chelsea' - Loftus-Cheek

BeSoccer 6 years ago 1.2k
Loftus-Cheek wants regular game time at Chelsea. AFP

Ruben Loftus-Cheek accepts why there are calls for him to leave Chelsea but says he is intent on staying at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea youngster has accepted that he needs to be getting regular game time in order to approve, however also acknowledges that he is lucky to be at a club as big as Chelsea. 

Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic are currently ahead of Loftus-Cheek in the pecking order, while N'Golo Kante and Jorginho have started every league game to date.

Despite impressing many with his hat-trick during the Europa League, he may still not receive regular game time under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea. 

"I hear it a lot, and I can see why people are saying that, because I'm 22 now and haven't got too many Premier League starts to my name", he told 'Sky Sports'. 

"I haven't played too many minutes, whether it be in the Premier League and the Championship, and at 22 it's not seen as enough by some people. I do hear it. I love the club and I love Chelsea, I want to play for Chelsea.

"Last season [moving to Palace on loan] was a decision I made because I hadn't played any football really, at the age of 21, and last season was great for me at Palace - 24 [appearances] I think I had in the Premier League, and then to go on and make my England debut. I made a lot of steps last year.

"Playing football was massive for me and you can see why people want to see me play, and I want to play as well."

Mentioned in the news story

R. Loftus-Cheek
Premier League