AC Milan star, Fikayo Tomori, who came from Chelsea after triggering the buy-option in the last summer, has granted an interview to the microphones of Champions Journals.
On his start:
"When I was about five or six, I had some friends my age in South East London. My mother one day gathered all the other mothers and said, 'Let's give these kids something to spend their energy on'. So we went to a local recreation center, where I scored many goals. Then moved to Kent and there, the coaches said, 'He's good, make sure you take him to a club.' I went to Chelsea at seven."
Fikayo Tomori was born in Canada before moving to England:
"Yes, I moved to England before I was one, but Canada is still part of my story. I used to go back there a lot, but then football came and I played four times a week, so it was More and more difficult to go back. But I have many friends and relatives there. They always keep an eye on what I am doing. I receive many text messages. I want to go back to greet them, but unfortunately I haven't had time yet. My Nigerian roots? My grandparents are from there, my parents too and the friends I have at home are all from Nigeria. As a child, my parents spoke to me in Yoruba, which is a local language. They're very Nigerian, from habits to food"
On his start at Chelsea:
"When you are young, you play just for fun and you never really know how far you will go. Then, as you get older, you get closer and closer to the first team and you start to take everything more seriously. Growing up at Chelsea definitely formed me. I played with many players and was coached by good tacticians. Then I had the opportunity to play in the first team, an experience that brought me to where I am today."
On his first Champions League experience:
"I was lucky enough to make my debut with the people I grew up with: Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James. Listening to the Champions League theme music was surreal. It was a special day", added Tomori.
On the AC Milan memories he has:
"I am reminded of the Champions League nights. Unfortunately the first one I remember is the final in Istanbul. And then I remember seeing the 2007 final in Athens, when Milan won. There were so many players that I admired, one of them was Kaká. So, being able to say."
On Maldini and Baresi:
"I talked to Paolo and he told me how he thinks I can improve my game in terms of positioning and possession. Having this type of people to learn from and to take advice from is something that you can't buy. Plus, knowing they're watching me is definitely a motivation for me."
On English players at Milan:
"When I arrived, people were telling me about everyone who had played here. And they weren't just any names, they were great players in the history of England. Like them, I want to do great things here."
On Tammy Abraham and Chris Smalling:
"Tammy (Abraham) is a childhood friend. We grew up together and we always end up being more or less in the same place - so yeah, we talk almost every day because we're great friends. Having him here and having this experience together is fantastic. Unfortunately I don't know Chris (Smalling), but as soon as we see each other we'll definitely have a chat."
On marking Zlatan Ibrahimovic during training sessions:
"It's difficult! He's too strong and intelligent. Even at forty he adapts quite quickly, and he's still very sharp. His career is incredible. Having him on your team is always better than not having him because he's a winner. He leads the group a lot and raises the bar. Having him around is definitely positive."
On Milano:
"I took a few walks, but with the many games we are playing and with the Coronavirus, unfortunately I have not gone out much. It is a city that I like and that I hope to see better", said Tomori
On his Italian language:
"It's ok. I'm understanding more and more. When Mister Pioli speaks in meetings, I understand almost everything. But I still have to work on it."
Fikayo Tomori discussed his signing for AC Milan:
"When I signed and had for the first time a bag with the AC Milan logo on it, I thought: 'Wow, I'm here. It's all true'. My father watched football over the years' 80s and 90s, when Milan won the Champions League and were the best team in the world. For him it's crazy. I'm really, really happy and grateful to be here. If I have to retire today or if something happens to me, God forbid, I could say: 'Yes, I played for Chelsea, for Milan and I managed to wear the England shirt'. Thinking about it is crazy."
