Fikayo Tomori admits he was ‘shocked’ by Milan‘s call and discusses his relationship with Tammy Abraham and Paolo Maldini.
The England centre-back joined the Rossoneri on an initial loan deal from Chelsea in 2021 and the Rossoneri made his move permanent for €29m.
“There was always something in my head where I thought I wanted to try something abroad and see what that life is like: the culture, the different types of football,” Tomori told the Champions League journal.
“When Milan came in for me it was kind of a shock, Milan, the European giant, was asking for me. But at that point, I was really ready to go and try something new.
“When I first signed and I had a bag with a Milan sign on it, I was like, ‘Wow, I’m here. This is real.’ My dad was watching football back in the 1980s and 1990s, when Milan were winning Champions Leagues and were the best team in the world, so for him it’s like, ‘Woah, crazy.’
“I’m really, really happy, and really grateful to be here. If I were to retire today or if something were to happen, God forbid, I could say, “Yeah, I played for Chelsea, Milan, managed to play for England. To think about that is mad.”
Tomori is a product of Chelsea academy and made his Champions League debut with the Blues in 2019 in a home clash against Valencia.
“When you’re young you’re just playing for fun and you never really know how far it’s going to go. Then, as you get older, you get closer and closer and you see people playing with the first team; you start to take it more seriously,” the English defender said.
“So, growing up at Chelsea has definitely shaped me, as the player I am today. I’ve played with a lot of good players, been with a lot of good coaches, and then I had the opportunity to play in the first team – and it’s got me to the stage I am now.
“I was lucky enough to do it with people that I’ve been playing with growing up: Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James. I remember walking out against Valencia and to hear the Champions League music, it was surreal.
“Talking before the game, we were so excited, and during the game and after we were kind of like, ‘Wow, this is the Champions League; this is the real stage.’ It was a special day.
“Tammy is a childhood friend; we grew up together and we always kind of end up being around about the same place – so yeah, we speak almost every day because we’re really good friends. Having him here and for him to experience this like I am is great.”
"When I first signed and I had a bag with an AC Milan sign on it, I was like, Wow, I’m here. This is real.
"There are so many great players associated with Milan, one I really liked growing up was Kaká."
Read our interview with @fikayotomori_ ⬇️https://t.co/lSWCGdY6YS#UCL pic.twitter.com/yaDI5kOkRZ
— Champions Journal (@champsjournal) November 9, 2021
The 23-year-old also discussed his relationship with Milan legend and director Paolo Maldini and his memories about the Rossoneri.
“Champions League nights come to mind,” Tomori said. “I remember when I was really getting into football, watching it a lot – unfortunately, it was the Istanbul game. But, obviously, that was a great football match.
“And then I remember watching the 2007 final in Athens, when Milan won. And there are so many great players associated with Milan; one I really liked growing up was Kaká. So to be able to say I’m part of the club that these great players have played for is amazing.
“I spoke to Paolo [Maldini] and he was saying how he thinks I can improve my game in terms of positioning and on the ball, so there are little things that I can work on.
“But having these kinds of people to learn off and take advice from is something that you can’t coach, you can’t buy. And to know that they’re watching is definitely a motivation for me.”
How is it like to train with Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
“It’s difficult! He’s so strong, so intelligent with his movement. And you know, even at 40 he’s still shifting pretty quickly, he’s still really sharp.
“Having someone like him to defend against, someone who’s played at the highest level for pretty much his whole career – the learning from that is amazing. And having him on your team is definitely better than not having him on your team because he’s a winner. He drives the team a lot, he drives himself and he makes sure everyone raises their game. Having him around is definitely a positive.”
Tomori is settling in Milan and Italy and is improving his Italian.
“Yeah, my Italian is OK. I’m understanding a lot more than when I first came,” the English defender admitted.
“You know, when the Mister [manager Stefano Pioli] is talking in meetings I don’t really miss much, I kind of understand everything. But that’s football stuff. If I go to a restaurant or I’m talking in the changing room, I think I’m OK but there are still some things I need to work on.”
The England international has played 38 games with the Serie A giants scoring one goal in Milan’s 3-0 win over Juventus this past May.
The former Chelsea defender sees his contract expire in June 2025 and the Premier League giants don’t have an option to re-sign him in the future.
FI remove the pop up screen please….i can’t take it anymore!!
FOOTBALL ITALIA WHY SO SO MANY ADVERTS ON YOUR WEBSITE, THE ADVERTS COVER THE ARTICLES AND HALF OF YOUR WEBSITE???!!!
I can’t even imagine what it’s like as a young player to have one of the best players in the history of football in your position as a close associate, watching you and giving you constructive advice regularly.. If he continues at his current pace, takes onboard the advice and keeps his feet on the ground surely he will be one of the best defenders in the world in the near future.
I agree with everything that @Chris said. Tomori has everything to reach the top. He’s on the rise.