AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up about his competitive rivalry with Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, admitting he was relieved when the forward’s high-profile move to Inter Milan collapsed last summer.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Tomori labeled Lookman as one of the most difficult attackers he has faced during his five-year tenure in Serie A. The Nigerian international was heavily linked with a €50 million move to the Nerazzurri, a transfer Atalanta ultimately blocked to avoid strengthening a domestic rival.
Tomori, who has surpassed 200 appearances for the Rossoneri, placed Lookman in an elite category of attackers alongside Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez. “Ademola Lookman, maybe because I know him, but I always find it difficult to play against him because he’s always on the move,” Tomori noted. “If he had gone to Inter, we wouldn’t have been friends anymore,” the defender added with a smile, recounting a lighthearted joke shared between the two after the summer window closed.
The 28-year-old centre-back also reserved praise for another Nigerian powerhouse, describing Victor Osimhen as “relentless” for his non-stop energy over 90 minutes.
While the move to Inter Milan never materialized, Lookman eventually secured a January switch to Atlético Madrid, where he has silenced any doubters. His impact in Spain was instantaneous, racking up four goals and three assists in just 10 appearances. His clinical form has been a driving force behind Atlético’s successful cup run. The team is now set to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja Stadium on April 18, giving Lookman a chance to secure major silverware in his debut Spanish season.
Since making his initial loan move to Milan permanent, Tomori has established himself as a cornerstone of the Italian giants’ defense. Despite choosing to represent England over Nigeria, his deep respect for the “Naija” contingent in European football remains evident. As he continues his journey in Italy, Tomori’s relief is palpable: one of his toughest opponents has finally moved to a different league.
