Former Derby County loanee Fikayo Tomori has spoken fondly about his time at Pride Park, revealing just how much the club, its fans, and the atmosphere meant to him during his memorable loan spell. The AC Milan defender, who spent the 2018–2019 season with the Rams under Frank Lampard, says Derby will always hold a special place in his heart.
In an interview reflecting on his career journey, Tomori described his experience in Derby as “one of the most enjoyable” periods of his development. “I felt loved during my loan spell at Derby County,” Tomori said. “The fans were great, the whole environment was amazing, and it really helped me grow both as a player and as a person.”
Tomori became a fan favourite at Pride Park, known for his composed defending, blistering pace, and commitment on the pitch. His performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award in 2019 and eventually paved the way for a move to Chelsea’s first team before joining AC Milan.
When asked if a return to Derby could ever happen, Tomori didn’t rule it out. “You never know in football,” he smiled. “Derby was a special chapter for me, and it’s still possible to return someday. I’ll always have a connection with the club and its supporters.”
Derby fans will no doubt be thrilled to hear those words — a reminder of the strong bond between Tomori and the Rams
faithful.