AC Milan activated the buy-option clause in the agreement with Chelsea over English centre-back Fikayo Tomori. The player convinced the Rossoneri well as he took over from Alessio Romagnoli and became a pillar in the squad.
Tomori, 23, has now spoken to Corriere della Sera about his move to Milan among many other topics. Here are his words:
On the Euro cup final, England vs Italy:
"It happened that we took the lead immediately, after two minutes, the situation was good. But I think that going on with the game we got tired and Italy got stronger. England made a great European run, they came close to winning it. Unfortunately they did not succeed. But Italy deserved it."
Was England too sure of winning?
"I do not believe. We were playing in our home, unfortunately we were unable to take advantage of the situation. But in a final anything can happen, it's different from the rest of the competition. On penalties, it is clear that a little is a matter of luck. We didn't have it."
Will you be there in the World Cup?
"I hope so, that's my goal. All the players would like to participate in the World Cup, it would be a dream for me. Milan is a huge opportunity. I am focusing on this. I feel good."
Thoughts on Police arresting the people who launched racist chants?
"There is a need for a cultural change. It is a minority of people who live on social media. If you play a game and miss a penalty, they inevitably fill you with insults, but it's not fair and I think everyone agrees that something needs to be done, a change is needed. That must start from the boys, from the youngest."
Is Italy a racist country?
"Here too we are talking about minorities, the problem is that many people do not know other cultures and are therefore afraid of them. We live in a multicultural world, which can be seen in both Milan and London. We need to improve starting from education, so as to let everyone know what racism is and why it must be fought."
How do you judge your experience with Milan so far?
"It's been great so far. They all welcomed me very well here right from the first day. It's a great club with great facilities. There is every condition to grow and win here."
Is the goal to qualify to Champions League or will you now aim higher as a team?
"Nothing is impossible, you always play to win. We are a young team, we are growing, but the second place last season says that we are on the right path. We have to go on like this, step by step."
Milan paid a significant fee in order to sign you permanently. Does that feel like a heavy burden on your shoulders?
"No burdens, it is a great satisfaction to feel this trust around me. Everyone is helping me. I understood immediately: Milan is the right place for me."
What relationship do you have with Kjaer and Romagnoli?
"Two great champions, they are helping me a lot in my personal growth. Inside the field but also outside. Romagnoli is the captain, he speaks to me in English on the pitch and this helps me. I have an excellent feeling with him and Kjaer."
What about your relationship with coach Stefano Pioli:
"He teaches me the secrets and the details. How he wants me to play in his system, with the rest of the team. He was a defender, he teaches me a lot about how to defend, about the position to have on the pitch. I have an excellent relationship with him."
Speaking about defenders, there is also a certain Paolo Maldini...
"Sometimes it still doesn't seem true to me when I talk to him, knowing the career he has made. An absolute myth, a football legend. Paolo is one of those people who can really help you, give you incredible advice. I'm trying to take as much from him as I can."
Ibrahimovic says you are all his children. How important is he in the locker room?
"A true leader", declared Tomori, "He is capable of letting you bring out the best with just a word, a look. A champion."
Who are your idols?
"I've admired John Terry since I was a child when I was in the Chelsea academy. Then, there is Virgil Van Dijk and Sergio Ramos."
Speaking of Chelsea, thoughts on Olivier Giroud who arrives to AC Milan?
"A very kind person as well as a great striker. He has immense experience, he has played in great teams, always scoring a lot and above all winning a lot. He will help us so much."
You never played in the San Siro with the public, it could happen in September. What do you expect?
"I cannot wait for that to happen. It is a great stadium even when it's empty. Who knows how full it would be? But, I imagine a crazy motivation."
Your teammates say you don't play Playstation because you're always studying...
"That was true before. I didn't have much time to play on the Playstation. Now yes: I finished studying, I graduated in Business Administration. Now I am focused only on sport. At the end of my career I would like to become a manager in football. Of course, after retirement I would also like to become a father, have a beautiful family. We will see what happens in the future. Now, however, my thoughts are only focused on AC Milan. This is a great opportunity for me and I will not waste it", concluded Fikayo Tomori.
