Ruben Loftus-Cheek has posted an emotional farewell message on social media after his exit from Chelsea was confirmed.
The 27-year-old has joined AC Milan on a permanent transfer after the Italian giants agreed a deal in the region of £15million plus add-ons for the England star. football.london reported in April that AC Milan were keen on signing Loftus-Cheek this window, with the midfielder having just 12 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Loftus-Cheek spent 19 years at the club and made more than 150 appearances. He becomes the fifth player to leave this summer as Mauricio Pochettino continues a mass exodus and rebuild.
Now, the former Crystal Palace and Fulham loanee has taken to social media to thank everyone associated with Chelsea. Writing on Instagram, the former Blues star said: "I don’t even know where to begin with this. I’ve been at Chelsea since the age of 8 and to come through the ranks and play senior football at this club… there’s just no better feeling. I’ve truly gone from being a boy to a man at this club over the last 19 years and it’s hard to say goodbye to so many people that have helped guide and shape me as the person and player I am today.
"It’s always been my dream to play for Chelsea so being able to win the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth Cup during my days in the academy, to then making my first team debut and winning the Premier League & Europa League during my senior career, is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
"I would like to thank everyone associated with Chelsea football club who have helped me during my career. To the coaches that i’ve worked with, the backroom staff and my teammates to the people i’ve seen day to day at the training ground over the last 19 years, thank you all.
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"To the fans, you’ve supported me and had my back from day one, no words will ever be enough to tell you how much that has meant to my family and I. I wish nothing but the best to everyone here and hope to see the club get back on the right path and winning silverware as soon as possible.
"It’s time for me to begin a new adventure in football, to live in a new country and experience a new culture, but I really do hope our paths will cross again in the future. Thank you for everything."
