Fikayo Tomori has said he was surprised to receive a phone call from AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini in regards to a loan deal.
Tomori has now joined the Rossoneri until the end of the season, calling it an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
Tomori said speaking with Maldini confirmed that Milan was where he wanted to be and where he wanted to play his football.
“It’s a club with great history, this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” the English defender told Milan’s official website.
He continued to reveal his surprise at AC Milan’s interest, saying he instantly knew he wanted to join the club.
“I was surprised, when I spoke to Paolo Maldini, the best defender who has ever played football, I knew this was where I wanted to be and where I wanted to play football.
“I am very happy to be here now.”
Tomori opted to leave Stamford Bridge after Thiago Silva’s summer arrival pushed him further down the pecking order.
Despite his temporary departure from west London, boss Frank Lampard has insisted that Tomori still has a “long-term future” with the Blues.
Speaking of why he let Tomori leave, Lampard said: “Because I have five centre-backs and I can’t do this job and expect to please every fan; that’s football.
“What players you should pick or not, whether you are searching for consistency or going on an unbeaten run there are questions.
“I have to pick two at a time and the numbers don’t always add up.
“Fikayo is a developing player, a very good player. He is going to be a top player.”
Tomori is set to return to Chelsea after his loan spell, although Milan are understood to have retained an option to buy him for £25 million in the summer.
