Fikayo Tomori will come up against his old team on Wednesday (Image: Getty)
AC Milan and England centre-back Fikayo Tomori has admitted that he felt the need to move on from Stamford Bridge in order to progress with his career after getting limited playing opportunities in west London. The 24-year-old took a risk by leaving the Premier League and making the switch to Italy, initially on loan, in January 2021.
The decision was clearly the correct one, however, with Tomori signing a permanent contract a few months later and then going on to play a fundamental part in helping Milan win the Serie A title with a series of impressive performances.
Tomori will go back to his old stomping ground on Wednesday when the Rossoneri face the Blues in a Champions League group stage clash. And speaking in the build-up to the clash, he admitted that he was looking forward to showing his former employers just how much he has improved as a player.
On the subject of his departure from Chelsea, he said: “It was a weird one. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone with Covid, but talking personally for me I would have liked to be on the pitch more. That didn’t happen for whatever reason, and I was itching to play.
Tomori came through Chelsea's academy before moving on (Image: Getty)
"Milan gave me the opportunity and now I’m here. Seeing familiar faces, I can show how I’ve developed, and going to Stamford Bridge and playing in that game is another chance to show myself again.
“I’m more confident and have had more games under my belt. I’m better, more concentrated during the games and understand how to fit within the structure of a team. I’ve definitely improved a lot and feel overall more confident and comfortable in myself.”
Tomori has still been following Chelsea's fortunes from afar, and told Express Sport about his reaction when hearing Thomas Tuchel had been sacked and replaced by Graham Potter. “I still watch Chelsea play plenty of games of course," he continued. "With regards to Tuchel, that’s just football sometimes - managers get sacked.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"I never had the pleasure of working with him, but given what people have been saying it sounds like a disappointment to some. But having someone like Potter come in, who made Brighton a top team, will be a positive thing for Chelsea. Hopefully it hasn’t impacted by Wednesday and we can get the win!
“Every game I feel like I have a point to prove. Coming from Chelsea, being English, there’s probably added motivation. Wednesday will be exactly the same. We’re doing well in this group and want to get another three points."
AC Milan will host a special “From Milan to Many” fan event at BOXPARK Wembley in London with Rossoneri legends Alessandro Nesta and Daniele Massaro on 4 Oct from 7pm. The event is part of the AC Milan Trophy Tour in partnership with Emirates, which sees the Club take the 2021/22 Scudetto Trophy on the road to meet Rossoneri fans around the world