Tomori: ‘Best defender ever’ Maldini convinced me to leave Chelsea

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 May 2021 19:58 BST
• 1 min read

New AC Milan signing Fikayo Tomori says that it was a phone call with football legend Paolo Maldini that convinced him to join the club.

Tomori this week joined the Rossoneri on loan from Chelsea on loan, with an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign.

The deal angered many Chelsea fans but Tomori says that it was Milan’s transfer chief Maldini who helped him make up his mind to leave London.

“It was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” Tomori told Milan’s official website.

“When I first got called I was a bit, I wouldn’t say confused, but I was a bit surprised.

“And then I spoke to Paolo Maldini, the best defender to ever play football, and he was asking me to come. From there I knew this is where I wanted to be, also to learn from him.”

Tomori revealed that two of his favourite players, Milan legends Kaka and Clarence Seedorf, influenced his decision to take the number 23 shirt.

“I really liked watching Kaka and Seedorf, wearing the same jersey is incredible,” he added.

“As soon as I saw 23 was available, I picked it. It’s my age and the same number Michael Jordan had, someone who inspires me. I hope it’s a number I can be successful with.”

Tomori is in contention to make his Milan debut in the derby against Inter in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday.