"The toughest thing is the mental side of it. When I was younger in the academy it was about fun, especially Under-11 and Under-12, but when your parents give you that talk it starts to get serious! I made the decision to discipline myself and try to make it as a footballer."
The journey to becoming a Premier League player is one that only a select few are able to achieve. Each player's journey is different but Ruben Loftus-Cheek is able to share his with millions of fans worldwide thanks to EA SPORTS FIFA 17.
This year's version of the game allows fans to understand better what it takes to become a Premier League player through a new mode, The Journey.
'The Journey is kind of how my journey was' - @rubey_lcheek discusses the new lifelike features in #FIFA17 @EASPORTSFIFA pic.twitter.com/NlHgf1QeoQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 30, 2016
In The Journey, FIFA 17 players can be Alex Hunter, a 17-year-old from London looking to make his mark in the game. The FIFA 17 players can shape Hunter's career through decisions off the pitch and performances on it.
Hunter's journey will be a familiar one to Loftus-Cheek because the Chelsea player was a consultant for EA SPORTS and says it reflects what it took for him to achieve his childhood dream.
"The Journey was based on how my journey was, along with a lot of young players," Loftus-Cheek, 20, said at the EA SPORTS FIFA 17 launch at London Stadium. "You go through a phase of playing Sunday League football, you go the academy and try to impress, try to make a name for yourself."
Learn more about The Journey and Alex Hunter here.
Loftus-Cheek has been with Chelsea since starting with their Under-8s and, in such a competitive academy, he says being strong mentally is crucial to making the grade.
"The toughest thing is the mental side of it. When I was younger in the academy it was about fun, especially Under-11 and Under-12, but when your parents give you that talk it starts to get serious! I made the decision to discipline myself and try to make it as a footballer."
As for tips for aspiring footballers, Loftus-Cheek said: "Work hard and stay at it. Along the way there will be ups and downs and when you’re in those down periods you have to keep believing in yourself and come out the other side stronger."
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was speaking at the launch of EA SPORTS FIFA 17, out NOW on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and all other formats. To find out more visit easports.co.uk/fifa #FIFA17
