YOUNG GIFTED ’N ZLAT
Tomori’s getting a guiding hand from superstar Ibra
FIKAYO TOMORI says Zlatan Ibrahimovic is pushing him on to do an Italian Job.
The big defender, who couldn’t convince Chelsea that he was the real deal, is now wowing them at AC Milan.
And Tomori reckons the watchful eye of the legendary Zlatan is helping to take him to the next level.
The former Manchester United star’s presence is everywhere according to Tomori, who has just earned his place back in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Tomori, 23, is out to prove a point to Chelsea, with just a little help from Ibrahimovic.
He said: “I was on his team playing foot golf and I just knew I had to be sure to win because that’s the effect he has on you.
“He’s definitely a winner and that rubs off on me.
“There’s this view of him in the media that he can be a bit intimidating but ever since I got there he’s been helping me.
“He tells me where to play the ball and where to find him.
“He has such an aura about him, whether that’s on the pitch or in the dressing room.
“He is a real leader. He is
absolutely loved in Milan. When he is playing, you want to make sure you are on top of your game.
“He’s not as aggressive or assertive as some people make out. He’s a nice guy.”
Tomori was on loan at Milan last season as they finished second in Serie A. And he signed a four-year deal in June.
And he feels the success of his move to Italy has helped him justify his decision to make the big step and go abroad.
He added: “In a way. I definitely think I have done well and my performances have warranted me being here with England.
“I feel really good in myself, really confident.
“Obviously going to Milan, a different country, it is something different and there was a bit of time where I needed to adjust and see the way Italian football was.
“But Milan were so easy with me and helped me to try and integrate as quickly as possible, and that transferred onto the pitch, where I was feeling comfortable and knew what I wanted to do.
“At the end of my Chelsea time it was frustrating.
“It was definitely a time where I needed to reflect on myself and think, ‘Okay, what do I need to do now, what’s the next step?’
“Being able to take that step to Italy and for it to work out for me like it is now, I am really happy. Hopefully I can continue like this.”