Few footballers embody growth, adaptation and resilience quite like Fikayo Tomori. Now a defensive mainstay at AC Milan, the England international says he is currently experiencing the best physical and mental form of his career, as the Rossoneri mount a serious Serie A title challenge.

The Meaning Behind Tomori’s Name

While most fans know him simply as “Fik,” Tomori’s full name—Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola Tomori—tells a deeper story rooted in his Nigerian heritage.

“My parents are Nigerian, so the names come from their tribes,” Tomori told BBC Sport. “Each name is a sentence shortened into a word. Oluwafikayomi means ‘God has filled me with joy’ and Oluwadamilola means ‘God has filled me with wealth.’”

This season, joy has been plentiful in Milan.

Milan’s Serie A Revival Under Allegri

Under head coach Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan sit second in Serie A, just one point behind city rivals Inter Milan, and are firmly in contention for their first Scudetto since the 2021–22 season.

The contrast with last season is stark. Milan finished eighth after losing 11 league matches—their worst league performance in a decade. This campaign, they have lost just once.

“We all came back in the summer with a point to prove, individually and collectively,” says Tomori, who recently turned 28. “We want to attack the season and get back into the Champions League.”

Thriving in a Three-Man Defence

A tactical shift under Allegri has played a key role in Tomori’s resurgence. Operating in a three-man defensive system has allowed the centre-back to sharpen his game intelligence while preserving energy.

“Physically, this is the best I’ve felt,” Tomori explains. “Knowing exactly where I need to be on the pitch helps so much with reading the game.

“It’s about running smarter, not harder. There’s no need to over-extend yourself as a defender.”

Leaving England and Embracing Italian Football

Nearly six years have passed since Tomori left Chelsea, where he came through the academy, in search of stability and regular football.

“I wanted to stabilise my career,” he says.

Since joining Milan in 2021, Tomori has made 194 appearances and become fully immersed in Italian football and culture. He is now fluent in Italian—and even the accent has become second nature.

“If I don’t speak with the accent, they don’t understand,” he jokes.

He also highlights a key difference between football cultures.

“In Italy, training is much more focused on tactics and positioning. In England, it can be more physical and intense,” he explains. “There used to be a stereotype that English players didn’t go abroad, but that’s changing now—and it shows we can adapt.”

Living Among Legends at Milanello

At Milan’s iconic Milanello training ground, Tomori is reminded daily of the club’s rich history.

“You see pictures of Maldini, Baresi, Kaka, Zlatan, Nesta—legends everywhere,” he says. “You feel the expectation straight away.”

It was Paolo Maldini himself who first contacted Tomori via Zoom before his move, playing a crucial role in convincing him to join.

“The fans, the city—you realise how much weight the shirt carries,” Tomori adds. “I love that expectation.”

World Cup Dreams and Tuchel’s Support

Winning the Serie A title could significantly boost Tomori’s hopes of a World Cup call-up with England. Although he has not featured internationally for over two years, new England manager Thomas Tuchel remains in contact.

“The message from him is to keep doing what I’m doing,” Tomori says. “The World Cup is six months away, and there’s a lot of football to play.”

Tuchel closely monitors Milan players and recently called up Ruben Loftus-Cheek, which Tomori views as a positive sign.

“I know he watches our clips and gets our data,” he explains. “There’s strong competition—players like John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa—but the dream is still there.”

Learning From Luka Modrić

Adding to Milan’s experience this season is Luka Modrić, who lives in the same apartment complex as Tomori.

“I guess it’s not a bad building,” Tomori laughs.

While conversations are limited, Tomori values observing the former Ballon d’Or winner.

“It’s more about listening when he speaks and watching how he trains. When Modrić talks, you just listen—you know the level.”

As Milan chase domestic glory and Tomori pushes toward a World Cup return, everything points toward a player entering the prime of his career, confident, settled and thriving.