Fikayo Tomori highlighted the differences between Italian and English football, and touched on the dreamlike nature of playing for Milan.
The English defender has become a core part of Stefano Pioli’s squad in the Lombardy capital following his initial arrive on loan from Chelsea in January 2021. He played a key role in the Rossoneri’s Scudetto success last season, but has suffered from a slight dip in form this campaign.
Milan secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash and they’ll be hoping to edge out a positive result in North London on Tuesday.
Speaking to UEFA’s media department, Tomori first discussed his ambitions and dreams for life.
“My dream in life might sound a bit banal, but it is to have no regrets. At the end of my career, I want to be able to say that I did everything I could, that I allowed myself to be me.
“In the end, if I win a million trophies or if I have only won the Scudetto, I will still be satisfied with what I have done.”
He touched on the differences between football in England and Italy.
“In Italy it’s more like: ‘Okay, this is where you have to be when the ball arrives. This is the way your body has to be. This is where you have to pass the ball’.
“In England you can play more by instinct. In Italy you try to eliminate that as much as possible, so you already know what to do on the pitch, how to play and where to pass the ball.”
The English defender reflected on his first day at Chelsea as a boy.
“The first day I went to the academy, there were kids from all over London who knew how to do the same things I knew how to do. And it wasn’t easy for me.
“I remember when I got in the car I said to my dad: ‘Dad, I’m not sure if I can come back’.
“He said, ‘No, no, you will definitely come back. You need to be in a place where you are tested, where you can improve’.”
Tomori then spoke about how it felt to join Milan.
“Once I arrived here, I remember wearing the Rossoneri shirt. It was simply surreal. San Siro is like a monument. You can always see it while driving. It’s like it’s stretched out towards you.
“Then, on the day of the game, the fans have been there for two hours before the match. You can feel the energy they give off.”
The 25-year-old discussed the special nature of the Champions League.
“You play league games, national cups, but when the Champions League arrives everything is different. The lights at the San Siro are a little brighter.
“You listen to the fans until the last minute before the opening whistle when the whole stadium shouts ‘The Champions’ together.
“It gives you goose bumps, even though it happens every time. It’s crazy.”
Finally, Tomori remembered his Champions League goal for Milan in the clash with Liverpool in December 2021.
“I remember when I scored against Liverpool, I thought: ‘I scored at San Siro for Milan in the Champions League. Wow, this is what I used to watch my idols do and now I’m doing it’. It’s crazy to think about it.”