Loftus-Cheek not forgotten about former teammate Gemili

His star may be shining more brightly than ever with Chelsea, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek admitted he would be keeping one eye on teammates past and present over the next month.

With the Olympic Games kicking off in Brazil this weekend the eyes of the world are on Rio, and the 20-year-old midfielder will be watching more than just teammate John Obi Mikel – who is playing for Nigeria – with a personal interest.

British sprinter Adam Gemili was on the books as a defender at Chelsea from the age of eight, before moving to Dagenham & Redbridge.

Gemili will be racing in the 200m and 4x100m relay in Rio, as well as being captain of Team GB’s athletics team, and having played alongside the speedster in his youth Loftus-Cheek is wishing him well.

“I played with Adam Gemili when he was here at Chelsea so if he goes it would be great to see him do well,” he said.

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images )

“I’m still in touch with him now, we speak a little bit. You always expect Jess Ennis to perform as well.

“The first Olympics I can remember, when I watched it properly, was in Beijing in 2008.

“It was the Olympics when Usain Bolt broke the world record for the first time so obviously that stands out.

“All the track events and swimming are my favourites and obviously the football as well. A few of our players might be involved so that would be good.”