In Focus: Chelsea outcasts hope to follow Milan Blue-print

Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have joined the growing Chelsea old boys contingent at AC Milan. 

Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud continue to star for the Rossoneri and provide an excellent example for their new team-mates to follow.

Tiemoue Bakayoko spent last season on loan with Stefano Pioli's men, while Michael Essien and Fernando Torres are among those to have made the switch over the last decade. 

As Milan continue their preparations for the upcoming Serie A campaign, we take a closer look at the four former Blues now wearing red and black.

Christian Pulisic

Upon moving to Milan, USA star Pulisic explained that he needed to leave Chelsea in search of a club where he felt truly valued. 

The 24-year-old said: "Of course, there are definitely times where I wish I could've gotten more of an opportunity [at Chelsea] and been that guy but for whatever reason [that was not] the case. 

"[Pioli] made me feel like he wanted me here, he wanted me to be a part of this team and he saw me fitting into this team and that's what I wanted to hear." 

Pulisic, who managed just eight Premier League starts last season, flashed signs of his talent at Stamford Bridge and being made a focal point could be key to unlocking his undoubted potential.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Pulisic's sentiments were echoed by Loftus-Cheek, who also revealed a sense of dissatisfaction with his playing time at Stamford Bridge. 

He said: "I love [Chelsea] and the fans but I wasn't feeling content with the amount I was playing and the positions I was playing in. 

"I felt I had more to give but I wasn't getting the opportunity."

Lotus-Cheek, 27, had been with the Blues since 2004 and made 155 senior appearances — including 33 last season — but is likely to see himself in a featured midfield role in Serie A after years as a utility player. 

Fikayo Tomori

Tomori's progress since moving to Italy provides an encouraging blueprint for the aforementioned pair to follow. 

The 25-year-old was a key defensive figure as Milan won Serie A in 2021-22, playing 2,719 minutes in the competition — more than the 2,354 Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek managed between them last season. 

Loftus-Cheek admitted that Tomori's success after moving to Milan helped convince him to follow suit. 

He said: "I've been following Milan, especially since Tomori has been around. 

"The fact that he managed to win the Scudetto with Milan and having achieved important milestones with the club has given me a big push to come here."

Olivier Giroud

Veteran striker Giroud was afforded a less prominent role than Tomori in Milan's title-winning campaign — but established himself as the team's starting striker in 2022-23. 

The Frenchman scored 13 times in Serie A last season, though his real value is his ability to act as the team's focal point. 

No player in the division attempted more lay-off passes than his 77, while he ranked second in the competition for aerial duels won (101) and goals scored from headers (five). 

Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek may find linking up with their old team-mate more enjoyable than labouring in a Chelsea attack that has long been without a reliable, recognised centre forward.