AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori gave a long interview published this morning in La Gazzetta dello Sport. Here are the English translations of his statements.
Here are his words:
"Thanks to the win in Verona, we started the week well. After two defeats, it was important to take the three points at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi and we did it. Now the spirit and morale are higher. We could have done several things better, like our tactical organisation in one match or the quality of our passing in another, but over the course of a season these mistakes unfortunately happen. What matters is getting going again, and in Verona we managed that, even without delivering a great performance," said Tomori.
On Juventus:
"They’re a great team, with great players and a very good coach. I’ve known Jeremie Boga since we were in Chelsea’s youth teams together: he’s strong, just like Kenan Yıldız, Khephren Thuram, Francisco Conceição and Jonathan David. I’ve already scored twice against the Bianconeri? If a third came, I’d be happy, but only if it comes in a win. Did Juve want me in 2025? Last year was difficult and we didn’t qualify for Europe. There were rumours about my future, also because I wasn’t playing much. But I never talked about it or looked into it: my only thought was to get back into the starting line-up and help the team. Now I’m playing more and I’m happy."
Tomori on his future:
"I’ve worn this shirt for almost five and a half seasons and I feel like a Milan player. I won the league in 2022 and that afternoon celebrating on the bus in central Milan is hard to forget. When I arrived I immediately felt at home and nothing has changed. Renewal? I don’t think about it much. The club and my agents are talking, and I’m focused on the last five matches because playing in the Champions League is our goal."
On coach Massimiliano Allegri:
“When he arrived, he reminded us that in the last two or three years we had conceded a lot of goals and that he wanted to bring more solidity to the defence. We couldn’t finish where we wanted if we conceded two or three goals every game. He’s passed on to us the desire to suffer if necessary to keep a clean sheet, and his will to win. We players are happy with him because he’s a good person and a very well-prepared coach. There isn’t just one way to defend or attack: if you have to drop deeper to cover spaces, it’s not a disgrace. The important thing is not to be frantic.”
Tomori on the team:
"Compared to the 2022 title, only I, Alexis Saelemaekers, Mike Maignan, Matteo Gabbia and Rafael Leão are still here: we all want to win again, to experience moments like those. This year we’ve built a base we can grow from and do better in the future. But first, let’s qualify for the Champions League."
On Rafael Leão:
"We’ve known each other for six years and he’s a great player. Everyone goes through periods when things they try don’t come off, but everyone knows Rafa’s qualities. Opponents know him too, which is why they double- or triple-mark him. He’s a great professional and wants to help the team. We have five good forwards, each with their own goals and characteristics, but they all put them at Milan’s service because getting back into the Champions League is too important.”
Tomori on the World Cup
"I have the hope and desire to play in the World Cup. I’ll give everything in this final part of the season to make that happen. I’m sorry, instead, for your national team and for Sandro Tonali, who is my friend: in Bosnia I was supporting Italy and I was convinced they could do it. I want to play until I’m 35 or 36 and I still have a few seasons ahead of me, but afterwards I hope to make use of my degree in Business Management, maybe working with my father, who deals with accounts. In everyday life I always try to give my best and treat people well."
