Fikayo Tomori, not once a big deal at **Chelsea,**has been in stunning form since he moved to AC Milan. He didn’t make it an easy decision to leave Stamford Bridge but his career was changed. Tomori made a bold choice after struggling under Frank Lampard for game time.
He’s now a key player for Milan, having made himself one of the best in Europe. Tomori, who left the Premier League having spent much of football’s spotlight there, has no regrets about his move.
After an outstanding loan spell in the second half of the 2020/21 season, he joined Milan permanently in January 2022. Milan paid £24m for a defender who would guide them to the Serie A title in 2022, ending their 12-year wait for the crown. Playing outside the Premier League, like Milan already had him, can be a game-changer for a player’s career, Tomori’s Milan experience has also boosted his confidence.
Tomori’s time at Chelsea was frustrating. Sidelined during Lampard’s tenure, he played just one Premier League game in the manager’s second season. He hadn’t seen game time this year and was forced to consider his future. It was an opportunity and a life-changing one at that to join AC Milan.
Tomori came to AC Milan at a time when he so badly needed a new start. But he lost confidence and his development due to his lack of minutes at Chelsea. Tomori had been highly rated while he was at the club, but lost his place in the side and could not regain it.
Frank Lampard sent Fikayo Tomori on Loan
At the time, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard preferred other defensive options and Tomori did not play in January 2021, Milan put in a loan offer for Tomori. At first, they shocked him with their interest.
Tomori, who spoke to ITV Sport, told how the move came about. He said he couldn’t believe Milan wanted him when he found out. “I spoke to Paolo Maldini then.” And it was on Zoom… and I was just staring at him!”
When he joined Milan, Tomori found his feet in Italy quickly. He was embracing the club’s rich history and culture with which he became acquainted on a visit to their museum. His performances on the pitch were immediate. Milan fans and management alike were impressed with Tomori’s pace, tackling ability and composure. Milan was keen on the move by the end of the season.
The transfer cost Milan £24 million, but it of course was worth it. Since joining, Tomori has made 155 plus appearances for the club in which he was instrumental in their resurgence. A cornerstone of the team that won the 2022 Serie A title after an 11-year drought, he joined the club in October 2020. The move to Milan wasn’t just a career saver, it was a step forward into the limelight for Tomori.
Fikayo Tomori thriving at Milan
His successes at Milan suggest it pays to play abroad from the Premier League. Staying in England, even if that’s in England, seems to be the safest place for many English players. But Tomori’s story proves that venturing to new leagues can result in huge growth. For sure, he learned a different style of football, adapted to another culture and used to pressure at Milan.
“It’s outside the Premier League where you can make a career and it’s an opportunity to learn a new culture, a new way of playing football; so it’s great.” “Hopefully more players are doing it,” it’s a positive.
Tomori’s decision to join Italian giants Milan has offered other young players inspiration to take up opportunities elsewhere. He has since raised his profile in European football and has become a personification of the ability to succeed, both by stepping out of your comfort zone.
Live Update
At AC Milan, Tomori is thriving. He has risen to the challenges he faced at Chelsea and become one of Europe’s top defenders. The story is one of resilience and risk-taking to achieve success.
Tomori remains a pillar of Milan’s squad and is still carried out every day in real-time. Both his defensive and leadership games have kept Milan one of the best Italian sides. Tomori’s position as a key player is secure, with the January transfer window approaching, Milan is looking to seal more additions to its team.
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