Fikayo Tomori has insisted he is not thinking about his future at present after AC Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini praised the on-loan Chelsea man.
Tomori has made an impact with Milan since joining in January, and his performances have convinced Maldini to consider activating his purchase option at season's end.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League match against Manchester United, Tomori said he was pleased to hear praise from legendary former defender Maldini.
What was said?
“It’s a good feeling and to hear something like this obviously gives me confidence, but I just want to carry on doing what I’m doing that’s got me to this stage and go even further," the 23-year-old said.
“I’m not really focused too much on what can happen in the future, it’s just more about me playing well for the team and doing what I can for myself right now and helping the team as much as possible. Then what happens in the future will happen, but obviously it’s very nice to hear that from one, if not the, greatest defenders to have played the game.”
Speaking of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, Tomori added: “It’s nothing that I’m worried about or anything like that, I’m focused on what’s happening here and I’m sure that he’s doing the same at Chelsea.”
The bigger picture
Tomori struggled to find playing time under Frank Lampard with the Blues this season, making just one Premier League appearance before being moved out on loan.
Just days after Tomori joined Milan, Lampard was sacked and replaced by Tuchel. The German boss has led the Blues to a revival of fortunes, having yet to lose a game with Chelsea.
It is unclear if Tuchel would rate Tomori enough to bring him back to Stamford Bridge, with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger enjoying improved fortunes under Tuchel.
Milan have a €25 million (£21.5m/$30m) purchase option on Tomori, on which they must make a decision at season's end.