SM: Tonali returns to Milan as an opponent – how the Curva Sud will welcome him

This evening Sandro Tonali will make his first appearance at San Siro as an opponent since leaving AC Milan, something unthinkable even at the end of 2022-23.

Tonali was considered by many to be the best candidate among the squad from recent years to go on and become a ‘bandiera’ of Milan – an icon in the club’s history who would enjoy the eternal love and support of the fans.

Then things changed very quickly. On the one hand Tonali’s love for Milan cannot be called into question, but then the €70m offer put on the plate by Newcastle and then the big salary increase offered to the player made everyone reflect.

With his departure, Milan obtained a club-record amount from a sale to then go on and make the 10 summer purchases, strengthening the squad in every sector, except the defence.

What kind of a welcome will the former Brescia man get on his return? This evening the reception he gets at San Siro towards Tonali should be positive.

The Curva Sud have decided after discussions to applaud Tonali, leaving the boos for other occasions, perhaps in a few weeks when Gianluigi Donnarumma will make his return.