I 'want to impress' Maldini everyday - Fikayo Tomori

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori aims to become one of the greatest defenders in the world and wants to 'impress' Paolo Maldini at San Siro 'everyday'.

AC Milan English defender Fikayo Tomori gestures during an Italian Serie A match. Photo: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

The English defender arrived from Chelsea on loan with an option to buy for €28m in January and the 23-year old is working so hard to impress Technical Director Paolo Maldini.

Tomori told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Having Maldini as head of the technical area is like having to deal with [Lionel] Messi as a sporting director for a striker.

“You want to impress him every day."

Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United hustle for the ball during their UEFA Europa League encounter at the San Siro. Photo: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Tomori is of the belief that he has immediately won the hearts of fans and teammates at Milan.

“I was a little surprised to have immediately entered the hearts of the Rossoneri fans, but it makes sense given the character of the people here,” he said.

“It was easy to settle in, they were all so friendly.

“Serie A is like a University for defenders. I’m growing up and learning everything I can.”

The centre-back also believes the Rossoneri can still contend for the Scudetto despite sitting six points at the back of toppers Inter who have a game unplayed.

Tomori said: “The gap up to Inter is great, but I don’t see why we shouldn’t believe in it until the end.

Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United hustle for the ball during their UEFA Europa League encounter at the San Siro. Photo: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

“Returning to the Champions League is an excellent target.

“But as a player, you must think about the big goal, and we know we can do something special.

“I’m not the only one to decide my future. I have fun, I enjoy the moment, I’m happy to be here.

“I honestly don’t think about the future.”