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Chelsea ace: Antonio Conte’s comments give me confidence… but I need this
CHELSEA midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is grateful for Antonio Conte’s belief - but admits he needs game time.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - Spotlight on
The 21-year-old was expected to leave Stamford Bridge on loan during the January transfer window, with West Ham lined up as potential suitors.
But Conte kept the England youth international instead, outlining he must continue to showcase his talent in training at Chelsea.
Early last month, Antonio Conte said: “We trust a lot in him. For Ruben, I don’t want this [a loan].
Antonio Conte's desire to keep him gave Ruben Loftus-Cheek confidence at Chelsea over his game time
“I want him to stay because he’s ready to play for the first team. If he shows me that he wants to play, he knows he plays.”
Due to Chelsea’s lack of European football and fourth round exit from the EFL Cup, first-team minutes have been limited for Loftus-Cheek.
The Blues academy product has made just six appearances across all competitions this term.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has played just six games for Chelsea all season
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is set to reward Ruben Loftus-Cheek with a start today at Wolves
For him to say he wanted me to stay gives me confidence that the chances will come
But he is set to start in the FA Cup again today at Wolves (5.30pm), and reflecting on Conte’s comments, Loftus-Cheek is determined to prove the boss’ decision to keep him was worthwhile.
“At my age I just want to be playing so for him to say he wanted me to stay gives me confidence that the chances will come, and when they do I just need to make sure I take them,” Loftus-Cheek told Chelsea’s official website.
“I look to improve and learn as much as I can, and it doesn’t matter to me which position, I’ll always give my best.”
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