Marcus Rashford sent clear five-word message by England team-mate about AC Milan

Marcus Rashford has been told by AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori that moving to the Serie A was the "the best decision" he has made.

It's been reported that Rashford’s representatives have held initial talks with Milan about a potential loan move after he announced that was ready for a new challenge last month, after spending his whole career to date with Manchester United. Since his bombshell revelation, Rashford has been dropped from several matchday squads as United boss Ruben Amorim is set to up his search for a new striker.

However, former Chelsea star Tomori insists that moving to Italy could be the new lease of life Rashford needs. Tomori switched to Milan in 2020, initially on loan, before sealing the move on a permanent basis.

The centre-back has become a mainstay at the Rossoneri and was a crucial part of the Milan side that won Serie A in 2022, and speaking in an interview with ITV Sport, the England international claimed his transfer to Milan changed his life. "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. Elaborating on his love for his Italian surroundings in The Players' Tribune, Tomori opened up on the prestige he felt signing for the legendary club, as well as the love he feels from the fans - something Rashford will no doubt be keen to hear.

"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,'" Tomori said.

Image: AC Milan via Getty Images) AC Milan via Getty Images)

"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 disclosed how close the players in Milan were, another ringing endorsement for Rashford should he make the switch.

"The fans were one half of the equation, the other was my teammates," Tomori added. "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."

A move overseas is now most likely for Rashford with United reluctant to hand the 27-year-old to a domestic rival. Dwaine Maynard, the player's brother and agent, flew to Milan last week to hold discussions with those who head the recruitment at the Serie A side.

Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus) Joe Prior/Visionhaus)

Rashford earns more than £300,000-a-week and so Milan would need the Premier League giants to heavily subsidise his salary before any deal could be agreed. The Athletic have also reported that Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund are interested in recruiting Rashford, while Juventus and Barcelona are also said to be keen on the England international.

Last month, in an interview with journalist Henry Winter, along with stating that he was ready for a new challenge, Rashford also claimed he will let fans know when a decison on his future has been reached. "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps," Winter quotes Rashford as saying.

"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."

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