AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali has explained just how much it means for the club to be back on the biggest stage, the Champions League knockout rounds.
Tonali grew up as a Milan fan and therefore he knows just how much this competition means, having watched the great sides that reached three Champions League finals and lifted the trophy on two occasions in 2003 and 2007.
The Rossoneri got back into the competition last season after a seven-year absence but went out bottom of the groups. This time, they finished second in a group containing Chelsea, Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb before beating Spurs 1-0 on aggregate in the round of 16.
That means that Milan are in the final eight for the first time since 2012 and they set up a clash with Serie A rivals Napoli. Tonali is relishing the occasion – especially after a 1-0 first leg win – and he spoke to UEFA ahead of the game.
“It’s nice to be back. All those years away haven’t been good for AC Milan and its fans – they weren’t good for anyone. It’s really great to play these matches again and win again in the Champions League knockout phase,” he said.
“It’s nice [for] the fans, who give us crazy energy. We’re all together and playing Champions League games always feels incredible, especially in San Siro.
“It was an inexplicable feeling, I’m lucky I remember it. I haven’t just lived those moments without remembering them, especially 2007 [when Milan beat Liverpool in the final in Athens]. I remember a lot from that Champions League: the feelings, the celebrations…
“The very first memories I have about football there are connected to the neighbourhood, my passion for football was born there.
“I have many memories, but the first one that comes to my mind is really the first kicks of a ball in the neighbourhood with my friends and my brother. It was normal to play football from the morning until the evening.”
Tonali also spoke about the relationship he has with his grandmother, nonna Biagina.
“It is a unique relationship. She doesn’t like, or rather, she didn’t like football that much, but ever since I started playing she hasn’t missed a single match. This makes me really happy. She often calls me after matches and during the week she asks me when I am playing and where she can watch it,” he said.
“I am very close with my family because they have given a lot to me. They come to matches quite often, so I know they’re at the home stadium for almost every game and that gives me an extra boost. It’s always nice to know your family is in the stands – I’m proud of that.”
Grande Sandro!