Fikayo Tomori, the England Defender, is back in the squad for the World Cup Qualifiers. He says that his time with AC Milan and Zlatan Ibraovic helped him to get his career back on track.
The 23-year old has been out of England's squad for nearly two years. His one cap was against Kosovo in a Euro 2020 qualifier in November 2019.
After dropping out of regular contention at Chelsea, he has resurrected his career through a loan move from Milan. This summer, it became permanent, and helped them to finish second in the current Serie A table.
Tomori's performance in Italy has earned him a recall by the England squad. The central defender is likely to be in the qualifiers against Andorra or Hungary.
Image: AC Milan is second in Serie A, and Fikayo Tomori has emerged as a key figure
Tomori answered a question about Chelsea's disappointment at not being featured more often: "Since Milan, I haven’t really thought about that."
"It was difficult - every footballer wants the chance to play and every footballer wants the opportunity to prove themselves on the pitch.
"When you don't have the ability to do it, it is difficult." This is why things are going so well.
"I didn’t dwell on it, and just moved on and accepted it as part and parcel of football and life.
Image: Veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has helped Tomori settle in Italy
"I had a great support system with my family members and friends. Now that I've overcame that, I want to go further and continue my progress."
It feels good to be here, then out of it for some time, then back to be there, and I feel really happy.
"Now my goal is to stay with my performances here in Milan.
"Every footballer dreams of playing and I had the chance to play at Milan, which is such a large club. I was so excited, and it has been great.
"We started the new season well, and the club have shown a lot faith in me, which gives me a lot confidence.
"So, I feel really at home there, settled, and that's what has led me here. So it's all going great."
Tomori also spoke highly of Ibrahimovic, the forward aged 40 years old,'s impact on the AC Milan team.
Tomori said, "There's this image of him in media, but he was speaking to and helping me with the language since the moment I arrived there." "Telling my where he wants me play the ball.
"He has been a great help and has such an aura in the dressing rooms.
"He is a leader, and when he plays, he gives everyone an lift. He is loved in Milan."
For a better video player, please use Chrome browser. Fikayo Tomori, AC Milan defender, speaks to the media about his return to England. He explains how Paolo Maldini played a significant role in his growth since moving to Italy.
Since the beginning of their anti-racism and discrimination stance, Tomori has not been part of an England team.
He believes the squad's attitude is having an effect and hopes things will improve.
He stated, "I think it (racism is) a problem in football."
"To have to worry so much about such things is unfair, so these gestures do raise awareness.
"We won't stand for it. We are going to play football and compete.
"Some people aren't as educated as others and do stupid things. But I believe we are taking the right steps to eliminate it.
"You can see that stadiums are being closed and other things, it is moving in a positive direction."
