Ruben Loftus-Cheek has spoken publicly for the first time after suffering a horrific facial injury while featuring for AC Milan in a Serie A clash, the Daily Mail reports.
The 30-year-old midfielder was stretchered off and rushed to hospital on Sunday following a violent collision that left him with a broken jaw and several missing teeth.
The incident occurred early in the match after a challenge involving Parma goalkeeper Edoardo, leaving Loftus-Cheek bloodied and in visible distress.
Medical personnel quickly attended to the former Chelsea star on the pitch. After an extended stoppage, he was fitted with a neck brace and carried off on a stretcher for immediate medical attention.
Reports later confirmed that the England international sustained a fractured jaw and significant dental damage, ruling him out for a period as he begins his recovery.
Despite the painful ordeal, Loftus-Cheek reassured supporters with an emotional message shared on social media hours later.
He wrote: “It was a tough blow, but the worst is behind me. A heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff who supported me over these past hours with professionalism and care.
“A special thanks to all the fans for your countless messages of love and support: I’ve read them, felt the, and they’ve given me incredible strength.
“Thanks to my team-mates: we are a team, we are a family. Now, forward towards our goals, strong and united. Together.”
Alongside the message, he posted images appearing to show his condition before and after surgery, one revealing several missing teeth and another showing the corrective procedure completed.
The frightening episode unfolded just minutes after kick-off, with Loftus-Cheek forced off in the 11th minute.
To compound Milan’s misery, they went on to suffer a 1-0 defeat, with Mariano Troilo netting the decisive goal 10 minutes from time.
