Maldini arranged Loftus-Cheek's move to Milan - but he was gone before the Chelsea boy ever reached Italy

Paolo Maldini is a divinity in Italy, especially in the red-and-black half of Milan. And when such a man calls you - you answer. AC Milan's new boy Ruben Loftus-Cheek waxed lyrical about the legendry defender on his arrival in Milan - even if the club's owners banished Maldini in the meantime.

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The lad who spent most of his life at Stamford Bridge has embarked on a whole new adventure: different country, different league, unknown language and culture - and a whole new set of demands. The English midfielder had his first date with Italian reporters and answered questions about various aspects of his recent joining of Stefano Pioli's squad.

"When Chelsea played Milan in the Champions League, it was amazing feeling the noise and the passion of Milan. The supporters were extraordinary. I've never felt something anything like it. After the game in London, Paolo Maldini approached me and told me everyone at Milan were impressed by my performances. Although I was focusing only on Chelsea then, but the possibility of joining Milan remained. Speaking to Maldini made me really want to decide to sign for AC Milan."

The irony of a player talking so highly of Maldini when the club's American owners let him leave was palpable in the room full of football reporters. But such is modern football that even the biggest names must depart their club if the big boss says so. Loftus-Cheek will have to forget about Maldini and apply himself fully to embracing life at his new club.

"I'm delighted to be part of the team, happy to be a player who can contribute to the team's success. I've spent many years at Chelsea since the beginning of my career, but I wasn't satisfied with my role of being a utility man, of constantly changing roles. I've not been able to have consistency to develop further as a player and excel. Therefore, I feel that this was the right time to start a new chapter in my career, in a new role and be able to contribute to the Better".

Loftus-Cheek has been handed the number eight shirt - previously worn by the legendary Gennaro Gattuso and the recently-departed Sandro Tonali.

"I fully understand the importance attached to this number for Milan. It demonstrates my ambition in terms of wanting to fully support the team. This season for Milan, they aim for constant improvement. We have talked about last season's Champions League semi-finals, which was an extraordinary achievement, but we will have to try and improve on that."

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Former Chelsea and now Milan teammate Fikayo Tomori will play a key role in Ruben's adjustment to life in Italy.

"When things started to evolve, I spoke a lot with Fikayo, I asked him how Milan is as a team, and he helped me a lot. He said: 'You'll love it'. Before talking to Fik, however, I already knew that the team has a long history, which I would have liked to be a part of. I don't speak Italian yet, so Tomori helped me with that too. I hope to learn the Italian language soon."