Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali has once again confessed his love for AC Milan and has revealed that Gennaro Gattuso was his childhood idol.
It was reported by Calciomercato.com back in February that the Milan hierarchy are looking to find a long-term partner for Ismael Bennacer as Franck Kessie and Rade Krunic do not give the right guarantees to head coach Stefano Pioli.
One of the names mentioned was Tonali, but his €50million price tag makes it a difficult deal to pull off, especially given reports of interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus and Inter among others.
Indeed, the 19-year-old continues to be heralded as one of the possible future pillars of Italian football, and despite all the various speculation it appears as though Milan could actually have an edge should they choose to concretely pursue Tonali.
“I don’t think about it, I don’t care, not right now,” he said when asked about his future (via Football Italia).
“And I don’t say that to mislead. I’m interested in ending the season in the best possible way, because I still feel I have a lot to give to Brescia, who believed in me.
“We will see. Cellino said he will not sell me even for €300m? The President loves me, like a son. And I love him very much, he always gives me great advice.
“I don’t know, that’s a lot of money. It affects you to hear talk about certain figures, but I’m always quite calm and relaxed, that’s my quality.”
When asked if he is a Milan fan, Tonali responded: “Yes, and Gennaro Gattuso was my idol. Today, I’m inspired by Luka Modric, among others.
“Pirlo comparisons? It’s the hair’s fault. It doesn’t bother me, but it’s not a suitable comparison for me. Having similarities is one thing, but on the pitch it’s completely different. Pirlo had extreme qualities. I don’t know who will be able to reach his heights.”