Marcus Rashford sent clear message about AC Milan by England team-mate
Marcus Rashford has been sent a glowing endorsement about life in Italy amid speculation linking the Man United star with a move to AC Milan in the January transfer window.
AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori has advised Marcus Rashford that his move to Serie A was "the best decision" he ever made.
Reports suggest that initial discussions have taken place between the United striker's representatives and Milan regarding a possible loan deal, although Zlatan Ibrahimovic has denied Rashford has spoken to the Italian club. This follows the 27-year-old's declaration last month of his readiness for a new challenge, having spent his entire career at Manchester United.
Since this revelation, Rashford has been omitted from several matchday squads as United manager Ruben Amorim intensifies his search for a new striker. However, ex-Chelsea star Tomori has lauded the potential of a move to Italy, which could provide the fresh start Rashford requires.
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Tomori transferred to Milan in 2020, initially on loan, before making the move permanent. The central defender has become a fixture in the Rossoneri line-up and played a key role in Milan's Serie A triumph in 2022. I
In an interview with ITV Sport earlier this year, the England international stated that his move to Milan was life-changing, reports the Mirror. "It's the best decision I made," he said.
"Not just in football, but in life, as it opened up my view on football and life," he added. In The Players' Tribune, Tomori expressed his admiration for his Italian club and the affection he receives from its fans - insights that will likely interest Rashford.
"The moment that really hit home though was when they handed me this bag with my tracksuit in it. When I took it out, I just stared at the Milan badge. I think Dad realised I was still struggling to actually process everything. He looked at me and said: 'You play for AC Milan'.
"Two years on, every time I see my tracksuit, I still get a special feeling. I still say to myself, 'I play for AC Milan'. A lot of British players have asked me what it's really like to play in Italy. The thing that really hits you is the culture. It's the fan culture that's unique. It's impossible to describe if you've not experienced it.
"The way they [the fans] treat us, the way they look at us. I mean, we're just footballers right? But to them it's like we're kings."
Tomori also revealed the tight-knit nature of the squad in Milan, which could be an enticing factor for Rashford considering a move. "The fans were one half of the equation, the other was my teammates," Tomori said. "I have to give a shout-out to them. It's such a special group. The spirit you see is real. Everyone is close off the pitch. We go out to eat together, not as little groups but as a team."
With Rashford's future up in the air, a move abroad seems increasingly probable, given United's hesitance to transfer him to a local competitor. Last week, Rashford's brother and representative, Dwaine Maynard, was reported to have travelled to Milan to engage in talks with the Serie A club's top brass regarding recruitment.
Rashford's £300,000 a week wage at Old Trafford means Milan would require United to substantially foot the bill for should a loan move materialise. The Athletic have also thrown Borussia Dortmund into the mix as Rashford suitors, alongside Serie A giants Juventus and Catalan heavyweights Barcelona.
In a recent sit-down with Henry Winter, Rashford hinted at a readiness to take on new horizons, assuring fans they'll be the first to hear when he's made a decision about his future. "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps," said Rashford, as cited by Winter.
"When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person. If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me."