LOFTUS‑CHEEK: "A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DO WELL"

We're in Las Vegas. With the team having arrived in Nevada, Ruben Loftus-Cheek spoke in a press conference at  the Allegiant Stadium, the new and state-of-the-art stadium that will host AC Milan v Barcelona on Tuesday evening. This is what the No.8 had to say on the eve of the game against the Blaugrana:

THE EXPERIENCE IN THE US
"I'd already been to Los Angeles. However, it's my first time in Las Vegas, and I hope I get a bit of time to see the city. Since being in the US, we've noticed that the people here are incredible and passionate; it's not something you expect in a country where football isn't the most popular sport. Crowds are loud, the atmosphere at the stadium is fantastic. I've seen where we'll be playing and it's incredible."

FIRST FEW WEEKS AT AC MILAN
"It's always a challenge to arrive in a new country where a different language is spoken. I have to say that my teammates - especially those who speak English well and who I already knew - are really helping me to overcome this first obstacle. I feel really good and am at the right place."

COACH PIOLI
"At the moment, we're learning to implement what he's asking of us out on the pitch. He wants to play a very aggressive and attacking style where our movement is fluid. We want to be in possession, and we have the quality to create a lot, just like the Coach is asking of us. The more we play, the more we can refine our understanding."

GOALS
"In 2018/19, I scored ten goals for Chelsea under Sarri because I played higher up the pitch, which allowed me to be closer to goal. Due to a few injuries and the fact I then played a bit deeper, I lost a bit of my goalscoring touch. This year, I've got the opportunity to get back to playing the way I like, and I hope to score more."

FRIENDLIES
"It's disappointing not to have won the two previous games, but there were plenty of positives to take from both matches which we can continue to work on. I think we played well against Real Madrid and Juventus. At this stage of pre-season, we are accumulating minutes together, growing and increasing our understanding. Against Barcelona, we have a great opportunity to do well, and we know we can produce an excellent performance."

PULISIC
"Chris and I have arrived from the same team - Chelsea - and it's great that we're back together. We're full of hunger and have the chance to play in a new country for a very important Club. We hope to make the most of this opportunity."

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