Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he understands why there are calls for him to leave Chelsea – but insists he is desperate to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The England midfielder, 22, spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace but has begun to feature regularly for the Blues this term.
He has scored four goals in his last three appearances for Chelsea – including a hat-trick in the Europa League victory over Bate Borisov.
More: Football
Despite this, Loftus-Cheek is yet to start a Premier League fixture this season, with the likes of Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic ahead of him in the pecking order.
This has led many to question his future in west London, and Jamie Redknapp suggested this week he may need to move for regular first-team football.
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Loftus-Cheek understands the calls but says he loves Chelsea and is determined to stay and flourish at the club.
I hear it a lot, and I can see why people are saying that, because Im 22 now and havent got too many Premier League starts to my name, he told Sky Sports.
I havent played too many minutes, whether it be in the Premier League and the Championship, and at 22 its not seen as enough by some people.
I do hear it. I love the club and I love Chelsea, I want to play for Chelsea.
Last season [moving to Palace on loan] was a decision I made because I hadnt played any football really, at the age of 21, and last season was great for me at Palace.
I think I had 24 [appearances] in the Premier League, and then to go on and make my England debut. I made a lot of steps last year.
Playing football was massive for me and you can see why people want to see me play, and I want to play as well.
Loftus-Cheek also heaped praise on new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and gave an insight into his coaching methods.
Sarri is very big on tactics as well, he added. We do stuff repeatedly day in, day out on shape. So in a way its similar.
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More: Football
Sarri likes to be aggressive on the press, which I think is good for Chelsea to be a dominant team.
Chelsea, currently third in the Premier League table, face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Eagles have lost six of their ten league fixtures this term but earned a hard-fought draw against Unai Emerys Arsenal last weekend.
MORE: Alisson fires warning at Unai Emery and Arsenal ahead of Liverpool clash
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he understands why there are calls for him to leave Chelsea – but insists he is desperate to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The England midfielder, 22, spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace but has begun to feature regularly for the Blues this term.
He has scored four goals in his last three appearances for Chelsea – including a hat-trick in the Europa League victory over Bate Borisov.
More: Football
Despite this, Loftus-Cheek is yet to start a Premier League fixture this season, with the likes of Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic ahead of him in the pecking order.
This has led many to question his future in west London, and Jamie Redknapp suggested this week he may need to move for regular first-team football.
Advertisement Advertisement
Loftus-Cheek understands the calls but says he loves Chelsea and is determined to stay and flourish at the club.
I hear it a lot, and I can see why people are saying that, because Im 22 now and havent got too many Premier League starts to my name, he told Sky Sports.
I havent played too many minutes, whether it be in the Premier League and the Championship, and at 22 its not seen as enough by some people.
I do hear it. I love the club and I love Chelsea, I want to play for Chelsea.
Last season [moving to Palace on loan] was a decision I made because I hadnt played any football really, at the age of 21, and last season was great for me at Palace.
I think I had 24 [appearances] in the Premier League, and then to go on and make my England debut. I made a lot of steps last year.
Playing football was massive for me and you can see why people want to see me play, and I want to play as well.
Loftus-Cheek also heaped praise on new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and gave an insight into his coaching methods.
Sarri is very big on tactics as well, he added. We do stuff repeatedly day in, day out on shape. So in a way its similar.
Advertisement Advertisement
More: Football
Sarri likes to be aggressive on the press, which I think is good for Chelsea to be a dominant team.
Chelsea, currently third in the Premier League table, face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Eagles have lost six of their ten league fixtures this term but earned a hard-fought draw against Unai Emerys Arsenal last weekend.
MORE: Alisson fires warning at Unai Emery and Arsenal ahead of Liverpool clash
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