Sandro Tonali has revealed all regarding his transfer to Newcastle United as he spoke to journalists shortly after the move was completed.
The decision to sell Tonali to Newcastle certainly generated a fiery reaction from a fan base that had already bid farewell to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paolo Maldini not long before.
We asked James Horncastle from The Athletic on our latest podcast episode about how Tonali’s record-breaking move actually came about, and he remarked how the deal couldn’t have taken place unless the player wanted to go.
The move was officially announced on Monday and yesterday Tonali was in Newcastle for the first time to see the stadium and have his photoshoot. He is now back in Italy, and our colleagues at SempreMilan.it were there for his arrival at Linate airport.
What are your first feelings after the move?
“Positive. I met and met people who wanted me at all costs. They were as positive as they were before I got there.”
What kind of choice was it?
“The most difficult choice of my career but which had to be made now. Milan welcomed me like a son and I will thank them for the rest of my life, I will never forget this.
“I love all my team-mates and old ones, he will always be their fan because they are golden people. A choice I had to make and I made it at the right time.”
Did Paolo Maldini’s exit have an impact?
“Maldini is a very important role model. He helped me, especially in the first year, and took me in his arms. This year the paths have divided but he will remain our great help for all the players, who knows Milan better than him and stays with the players?
“I’ll thank him forever. Even as a director, he knew very well how to distinguish the two roles. We were serene even when he left.”
Leao said he was surprised that you left…
“I spoke to Rafa before the news and it’s normal that they didn’t expect this, but as intelligent people they understood and he himself wishes me the best.”
In an interview with Corriere della Sera you said you would never make the mistake of leaving Milan. What changed?
“It’s been a long summer. Our decision doesn’t come from this season, but from these three seasons. I hope one day to be able to return to Milan and see the fans smiling.”
