Newcastle boss Howe reveals how Tonali reacted to drawing his beloved Milan

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that Sandro Tonali is excited to be going back to San Siro to face his former club AC Milan.

Milan were drawn with Newcastle, PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League group stages and there are certainly plenty of interesting narratives like Gianluigi Donnarumma’s return, Christian Pulisic going back to Dortmund and Theo vs. Lucas Hernandez.

However, the one that might attract the most attention is that Tonali will be back to face his boyhood club. He was sold to Newcastle by Milan in a club-record deal earlier in the summer window and has done well so far on Tyneside.

Fate has brought the Italian midfielder back together with his boyhood club, and Howe held a pre-match press conference on Friday in which he revealed how Tonali reacted to the draw.

“I have and I think it’s a great thing for him,” he said.

“I hope he gets the reception that he deserves for what he did for the club and how much he loves Milan. I am sure he’s looking forward to the game. I won’t go into much detail, but I think he was pleased to return home.”

🗣️ "Bring it on."

Eddie Howe on the #UCL group stage draw. pic.twitter.com/miPBXBdrsI

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 1, 2023

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