Loftus-Cheek leaves boyhood club Chelsea for Milan

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has joined AC Milan on a four-year deal. 

The transfer brings an end to the England international's 19-year stint in West London, having first joined the Blues at youth level in 2004.

Loftus-Cheek, 27, made his senior debut in 2014 and went on to make 155 appearances for his boyhood club. 

The Londoner scored 13 goals and won three major trophies, including the 2016-17 Premier League title, during his time at Stamford Bridge. 

A statement on Chelsea's official website said: "Loftus-Cheek joined Chelsea as an Under-eight and enjoyed sustained success during his time in the academy. 

"The midfielder won the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth League before his elevation to the senior squad during the 2014-15 season.

"A dedicated professional and a friendly and popular person throughout Cobham, Loftus-Cheek departs having made 155 appearances — in which 13 goals were scored — and with Premier League, Europa League and Super Cup medals. 

"We wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter in his career."

Loftus-Cheek follows in the footsteps of fellow Cobham academy graduate Fikayo Tomori, who joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2021 after a successful loan spell. 

The England international will also get to work with another former Chelsea colleague in the form of Olivier Giroud at the San Siro.