Fikayo Tomori: AC Milan move came at the right time
Nigeria born England international Fikayo Tomori is counting his blessings after landing his move to AC Milan.
As if taking stock after the dream come true move, Tomori recalled that he was surprised to receive a phone call from AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini about joining the Italian giants on loan
Tomori has now linked up with the Rossoneri on a deal until the end of the season and called it an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
The 23-year-old defender said speaking with Maldini, now the club’s technical director, confirmed that Milan was where he wanted to be after being left on the sidelines at Chelsea by manager Frank Lampard.
‘It’s a club with great history, this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,’ the English defender told Milan’s official website.
He continued to reveal his surprise at AC Milan’s interest, saying he instantly knew he wanted to join the club.
‘I was surprised, when I spoke to Paolo Maldini, the best defender who has ever played football; I knew this was where I wanted to be and where I wanted to play football.
‘I am very happy to be here now.’
Tomori opted to leave Stamford Bridge after Thiago Silva’s summer arrival pushed him further down the pecking order.
Despite his temporary departure from west London, boss Frank Lampard has insisted that Tomori still has a ‘long-term future’ with the Blues.
Speaking about why he let Tomori leave, Lampard said: ‘Because I have five centre-backs and I can’t do this job and expect to please every fan; that’s football.
‘What players you should pick or not, whether you are searching for consistency or going on an unbeaten run there are questions.
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‘I have to pick two at a time and the numbers don’t always add up.
‘Fikayo is a developing player, a very good player. He is going to be a top player.’
Tomori is set to return to Chelsea after his loan spell, although Milan are understood to have retained an option to buy him for £25million in the summer.