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“I’m devoted to Chelsea”: Ruben Loftus-Cheek looking for fitness, Frank Lampard and finally coming of age

The agony of a lost year was quickly swept away by relief when Ruben Loftus-Cheek started Chelsea’s first game since the Premier League left for Aston Villa.

It marked the end of a mentally grueling 13 months for the 24 year old and the start of what he hopes will become a starring role under Frank Lampard.

The first of seven appearances now, including an assist, under the leadership of the first year, remained a year after entrusting his future to the Blues in what was a timely push following the agony of Achilles’ injury, which he cruelly collapsed his Europa League final dreams.


Now, despite Lampard’s patience, a healthy Loftus-Cheek says it is his time to shine by transforming the youthful promise into consistent production in the field.

“I no longer see myself as a young player,” insists Loftus-Cheek. “Frank has entered [last July], but I always thought about signing for Chelsea before it arrived.

Loftus-Cheek controls the ball against Norwich (Getty)

“Frank’s arrival hasn’t changed my opinion of staying longer. I was happy at Chelsea and my plan was to stay here. “

The long explanation allowed the Lewishman-born midfielder to understand the double-edged sword that his body carries. A weapon that compliments his excellent touch and soft feet, although his frailty, having also endured back problems since he was 16, has meant that he has often betrayed him.

There is perhaps a simplicity in his attention in the coming weeks; manage your body with care, while carving out a defined role, having previously inserted where necessary for the club and country because of its versatility.

His talent can evidently be translated on the field even at this level. Chelsea can thank Maurizio Sarri for showing it, despite leaving behind a complicated legacy in his short stint at Stamford Bridge.

It was the Italian who helped Loftus-Cheek to marry the belief that he belonged to his “devotion” to the club.

“At the time, I was injured [of signing my new contract]. I came out of a good season with Chelsea when Sarri was here. It was my season with the highest score. I played many more games and felt like a Chelsea player who contributed to the win that season, ”recalls Loftus-Cheek.

“So getting hurt was a big blow and to be honest I didn’t think I was going to be hurt for so long. I didn’t think it would take a year to return.

“So it was in my thoughts when I was signing my contract. But obviously it did not happen. I am devoted to Chelsea.

Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell faces Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Getty)

“I’ve been here since I was seven. After the season with Sarri there was no reason for me to leave Chelsea. “

Much has been said about Lampard and the club’s ban on relocating, but before Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech arrive, the coach considers Loftus-Cheek to be a new signature.

“I hope so,” admitted Lampard after defeating Norwich 1-0. “It is difficult for Ruben right now, because of the elapsed time, because of the stop-start of the block and the restart.

“But he worked very hard to get where he is now. As for his body and physical form, we need to give him some credit and time.

“These games now. It started today. It had minor impacts along the way.

Lampard embraces Loftus-Cheek in Leicester (Getty)

“What I want is a Ruben who shoots the blocks for the pre-season and next season. I know the talent he has, I know what he can bring us.

“It is very individual. It is different from what the rest of the team brings us, its physicality and the touch on the ball. “

So while next season’s promise offers comfort, Loftus-Cheek knows he can take redemption much earlier. The stakes are high, however, far from a tense conclusion to the race to finish in the top four, Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United offers an important milestone to boost his career.

Loftus-Cheek is aware of the peculiarity that an empty Wembley will bring without the fans, even if it is accepting the challenge of finding alternative ways to summon the energy to gain victory against such a hot opponent.

“Yes, I wish there were fans at Wembley,” admits Loftus-Cheek. “It will be even more disturbing because it is such a big stadium. And so far in a competition.

“This is the end of business and this is when you want fans to get involved, and you feel the energy and adrenaline in the stadium and the crowd and the situation is very different right now.

“There is nothing we can do about it. We must try to play the same football and have the same motivation for wanting to win a game. “

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