This morning, an interview with Fikayo Tomori has been published, with the Englishman discussing his future, a Juventus past and AC Milan’s game against the Bianconeri.
On Sunday, Milan will hope to further secure their chances of a Champions League place next season with a win at San Siro against the Old Lady. It is not a must-win game, thankfully, as they have given themselves the luxury of a points advantage already.
However, winning would be a substantial aid, one no one would refuse. For Tomori, it would be a chance to keep a second successive clean sheet as well, which after the last game at San Siro would also be accepted with glee.
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Tomori’s interview
In this morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), Tomori spoke about his previous links to Sunday’s opponents, his thoughts ahead of the game and the situation with Rafael Leao.
Tomori, how is the approach to Milan-Juve going?
“Thanks to the victory in Verona, we started the week well. After two knockouts, it was important to get the three points at Bentegodi and we did it. Now the spirit and morale are higher.”
Why was there a downturn before?
“I don’t know. We could have done several things better, such as the tactical order in one race or the quality of the passes in another. Still, during the season, certain mistakes unfortunately happen.
“The important thing is to start again and we in Verona succeeded despite not offering a great performance.”
What do you think of Juventus?
“It’s a great team, with great players and a very good coach. I’ve known Boga since we were in Chelsea’s youth teams: he’s as strong as Yildiz, Thuram, Conceiçao and David.”
He has already scored two goals against the Bianconeri…
“If the third came, I would be happy, but only in case of victory.”
In January 2025, Juventus wanted him, but you said no and stayed…
“Last year was difficult and we didn’t get to Europe. There were rumours about my future also because I didn’t play much.
“However, I never talked about it and I didn’t delve into the subject: my only thought was to go back among the starters and help the team. Now I’m playing more and I’m happy.”
Words of a true Milanista…
“I’ve been wearing this shirt for almost five and a half seasons and I feel like a Milan fan. I won the Scudetto in 2022 and that afternoon of celebration on the bus, in the centre of Milan, it’s hard to get it out of my head.
“When I arrived, I immediately felt at home and nothing has changed.”
At what stage is the renewal of your contract?
“I don’t think about it that much. The club and my agents deal and I’m focused on the last five games because playing the Champions League is our goal.”
How important is Allegri for the Milan project?
“As soon as he arrived, he reminded us that in the last 2-3 years we had conceded many goals and that he wanted to bring more solidity in defence. We couldn’t finish where we wanted if every race we conceded 2-3 goals…
“He transmitted to us the desire to suffer in order not to concede goals and his desire to win. We players are happy with him because he is a good person and a very prepared coach.”
Milan, which plays with a low block and defends itself at the edge of its own area, however, does not give a show.
“There is no single way to defend or attack: if you have to lower yourself to cover the spaces, it is not a shame. The important thing is not to have a frenzy.”
Inter is preparing to celebrate the Scudetto. Not the best for the Rossoneri fans…
“Compared to the tricolour of 2022, I, Saelemaekers, Maignan, Gabbia and Leao remained: we all want to win again, live more moments like those. This year, we have created a base with which we can grow and do better in the future. But first, let’s qualify for the Champions League.”
On Sunday, Leao will return to San Siro after the boos against Udinese. What advice do you want to give him?
“We’ve known each other for 6 years and he’s a great player. Every person goes through a moment when the things they try to do don’t succeed, but everyone knows the qualities that Rafa has. Even the opponents know it and for this reason, they double or triple it.
“He is a great professional and wants to help the team.”
The other forwards are not doing well either…
“It happens… Maybe they will unlock on Sunday against Juve. We have five good strikers, each with their own goals and characteristics, but they all put them at the service of Milan because returning to the Champions League is too important.”
At the World Cup, you can be there; Italy, instead are out…
“I have hope and the desire to play the World Cup. I will give everything in this season finale for it to happen. Instead, I feel sorry for your national team and for Tonali, who is my friend: in Bosnia I was rooting for the Azzurri and I was convinced they could make it.”
Do you think about the future?
“I want to play until I’m 35-36 years old and I have a few more seasons ahead of me, but then I hope to take advantage of my degree in Business Management, maybe to work together with my father who deals with budgets.”
Is your favourite movie ‘The Search for Happiness’?
“The lesson that Will Smith teaches is fantastic: like him in everyday life, I always try to give my best, to treat people well.”