Loftus-Cheek explains differences between life in Italy and England

Milan: Milan midfielder and England international has explained the key differences between life in Italy and England, suggesting that there is ‘more passion’ surrounding football away from home.

The former Chelsea midfielder gave an in-depth interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Sunday.

It has now been just over a year since the former England international swapped Stamford Bridge for San Siro. In the 12 months since, Loftus-Cheek went on to cement himself as a first-team starter under Stefano Pioli, but now faces a new challenge under new coach Paulo Fonseca.

Loftus-Cheek insisted that it has been a smooth transition settling in at Milan, largely in thanks to the cohort of former Chelsea players currently playing in Serie A.

He also suggested that there is ‘more passion’ surrounding football in Milan compared to back home in London.

“I like to go with the flow in life,” the 28-year-old told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I like to live in the moment.

“I was just focussed on football at the start, now I understand there’s more to it. In Milan, you realise how much passion there is for football, while it’s a bit different in London. There’s more freedom to go out without being recognised.

Loftus-Cheek has taken to life in the centre of Milan, but admitted that living away from family hs been a tough adjustment.

“I like the buildings in Milan. I live near the Duomo and there you get a big sense of the history in the city. I came here on my own, I miss my family and my dog a bit, he’s a Doberman. I left him with my mother, I don’t see them too much.

“I changed country, but I adapted quickly. I knew Fik and Oli, Tomori and Giroud, who were really helpful. I’m used to changes, though, I’ve played everywhere on the pitch.”