AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali has thanked those close to him after he achieved a dream Scudetto win with his boyhood club.
Milan went into their game against the Neroverdi at the Mapei Stadium knowing that if they avoided defeat they would be crowned Champions of Italy, and they couldn’t have done so in a more emphatic manner as Olivier Giroud bagged a brace and Franck Kessie scored to make it 3-0 before half-time.
In truth it was a fittingly dominant performance from a side that ended the season with 9 clean sheets in 11 games to finish the campaign, while Tonali has undoubtedly been a huge part of an impressive young core which has grown game by game.
He was interviewed by Sky Italia and reflected on what has been a fantastic season for him and for the club, and he began by discussing the uncertainty surrounding his future heading into last summer.
“It was a disturbed summer. I had the first moment of rest, then the whole party started. I didn’t know my future, then they couldn’t find an agreement, then Paolo and Ricky they went out of their way to keep me,” he said (via MilanNews).
On the fans: “It’s a great thing. Seeing these fans today even without winning was the best thing. It’s the best team I could cheer and play for.”
On ambitions: “I have not won anything and I hope to pursue a winning career.”
On who he thanks: “I thank my girlfriend Giulia and my family, they are the people who have been close to me all year and also last year. It was important for my growth. I would like to thank all the fans one by one.”
On Ibrahimovic’s future: “Ibra doesn’t know either. I hope he continues with us, he’s the best there is. Before the game he gave us a great hand, it was an intense and nervous week, where we played for two years and means of travel. With his experience he has been able to keep the environment at bay. We hope he will stay with us not just a year.”
Tonali also spoke with DAZN after winning the Scudetto.
On his growth: “I took off a burden after becoming a full-fledged Milan player. I don’t think that was the justification, however, there were many other things.”
On Maldini: “He is a winner, when I see him I think of Milan and the victories. In addition to being a great manager, he is also a great person. For us players it is essential to have people like this close to us.”
On the tattoo: “I’ll do it on my left arm, that’s something I have to see.”
On playing for Milan: “There is nothing more beautiful than being champion of Italy with Milan.”
On the fans: “We just have to thank them. They managed to get back to the stadium, today they couldn’t all come, but they gave us a great boost. They’ve always been an extra boost. Thanks to everyone really.”
On the celebrations: “The Spaniards do not joke in the celebrations.”
