Facing AC Milan with his new club, Sandro Tonali received the support of the Rossoneri fans at San Siro on Tuesday evening. Something that Newcastle’s Eddie Howe was really pleased with.
Being a boyhood Milan fan, it wasn’t easy for Tonali to leave the club this summer, but the money from his sale ultimately ended up helping them. Perhaps even tougher was the game against his former side on Tuesday, which ended 0-0.
Speaking at his pre-match conference ahead of the clash against Sheffield United, as cited by TribalFootball, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised the Milan fans for their reaction and warm reception for Tonali, chanting his name and clapping as he was subbed off.
“It’s worth remembering he’s still a really young player. I was really pleased with the reaction he got from the Milan fans. I think that was a real mark of a few things – of how Sandro conducted himself in Milan, how good a player he is, recognition from a group of supporters that he gave everything for the club. It’s great for Sandro but also for us, it’s also a mark of what a big talent he is.
“It would have been an emotional game for him, an emotional night, I have no doubt, but I think he handled himself really well and he is probably pleased the game is out of the way and he can focus on the rest of the season with us,” he stated.
The two sides will face each other again in the final round of the Champions League group stage. It’s possible that a lot will be at stake then and it should make for a special game at St James’ Park.
Uno di noi!❤️