Ruben Loftus-Cheek, currently playing for AC Milan, expressed regret over not leaving Chelsea sooner during his 19-year tenure with the club, which began when he joined their academy at eight. Despite making 155 first-team appearances and contributing significantly, injuries and fierce competition hindered his progress, leading to loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham. Loftus-Cheek highlighted the challenges for young players at Chelsea, noting that the club often opts for established stars, making it difficult for homegrown talent to secure consistent playing time. He now believes that young players should consider exploring opportunities elsewhere to gain valuable match experience. As he acclimates to life in Milan under head coach Paulo Fonseca, Loftus-Cheek remains optimistic about the team's future despite a slow start to the season. His reflections serve as a cautionary tale for young athletes navigating similar career paths.