RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK appears to have said his final goodbyes to Chelsea fans on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Blues drew 1-1 with Newcastle at Stamford Bridge and Loftus-Cheek made manager Frank Lampard’s starting line-up.
But after an hour, Loftus-Cheek came off for Carney Chukwuemeka, who put in a solid performance against Manchester United in midweek.
Loftus-Cheek hugged Enzo Fernandez and Cesar Azpilicueta as he trudged off the pitch.
And before he left the field of play he made sure to turn around and wave to all four corners of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans stood up and gave Loftus-Cheek a standing ovation before chanting his name for likely the final time.
Tributes also flooded in on social media.
One Chelsea fan said: “Ruben Loftus Cheek with what looks like a farewell goodbye, you’ll be missed.”
Another added: “If that’s it for Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a Chelsea shirt, thank you, RLC. An outstanding career in blue since he signed as a young kid.”
One fan wrote on Twitter: “Looks like a goodbye from Loftus-Cheek. Thanks for everything, you’ll do amazing in Italy.”
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A fourth simply said: “Forever one of our own.”
Another said: “Tears in my eyes.”
And this Blues supporter went with: “Thank you for everything if this is the last game for Loftus Cheek, always a dependable player for us over the years and had a great attitude.”
Loftus-Cheek has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer and has attracted interest from numerous clubs.
AC Milan look to be leading the race and are reportedly in contact with the West London club over a move in the summer window.
Loftus-Cheek has been on loan with Crystal Palace and Fulham before in the Premier League.
He made his breakthrough at Chelsea in the 2014/15 season under Jose Mourinho.
But it was under Maurizio Sarri where he enjoyed his best spell, scoring 10 goals in all competitions.
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Loftus-Cheek’s career at Chelsea, however, was plagued by injury and inconsistency.
His move away from the club is said to be imminent, with fellow Cobham graduate Mason Mount also expected to leave this summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
