Fikayo Tomori, AC Milan defender, was interviewed by Claudio Raimondi of SportMediaset.
You reached first place on Sunday...
“We’re happy. We played well against Fiorentina, there’s a positive atmosphere, but the coach always tells us to focus on the next match. That’s what we’re doing to stay on top.”
Is this a second life for you in the Rossoneri shirt?
“Yes, I think it’s that way for everyone. Last year didn’t go well. This season we have new players, a new coach, and the mood is different. We started the season well and we want to keep going like this, not only individually but as a team. The coach asked certain things from me and I try to apply them on the pitch. I’m happy with my performances and with how the team is playing.”
Do you believe in making the World Cup with England?
“Of course. I’ve spoken a couple of times with Tuchel and I know what I have to do. I know that if I play well for Milan, the call will come. I hope so. I need to stay focused on what I’m doing so I’ll be ready when and if the call arrives. The World Cup is a dream, for everyone, and for me too.”
You’re one of the few remaining from the 2022 Scudetto. Do you see similarities?
“I’m not sure. We have a different team and a different environment, but there are some similarities. We feel like there’s a good group with the right mindset, taking each match one at a time. Now we have Pisa, then Atalanta, then Roma. We think about every match we play, as the coach says. It’s too early to say ‘We’ll win the Scudetto.’ Right now, we’re in a good position. The next match against Pisa is a chance to show our strength.”
Renewal? Tomori commented:
“As I’ve always said since I arrived, Milan is a great club and as long as the management doesn’t tell me ‘That’s enough,’ I’ll stay here. I have a home here. I haven’t thought much about renewing my contract, to be honest, because I’m focused on the next game, as the coach wants. When they ask me about the contract, I’ll think about it.”
Can Luka Modric do what Ibrahimovic did in 2022?
“Possibly, yes. They’re different. Both have experience, but Zlatan was tougher, he spoke to fire up the team, while Modric shows how to play, how to train, how to approach matches. Both are examples to learn from. When Zlatan was here, we had a younger team, now the squad is a bit more experienced. Zlatan won the Scudetto almost by himself, while now there are five or six key players, Modric included. Experience makes a difference.”
If Milan wins the Scudetto, what would you do?
“I haven’t thought about it. Maybe I’ll dye my hair blond if we do something extraordinary.”
Tomori, what language do you speak in the dressing room?
“English, French, Italian, Spanish. The ones who don’t speak much Italian yet are the new guys: Odogu, Athekame, Nkunku, but on the pitch we always find a way to communicate.”
