Sandro Tonali on Newcastle United move: “The most difficult choice of my career”

New Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has revealed that leaving Milan for the Magpies has been the most difficult choice of his career so far.

Tonali grew up as a Milan fan and before joining Milan, he was close to joining Inter but he rejected the move out his liking for the Rossoneri. He also took a wage cut to join the Diavolo on a permanent basis and his exit came rather quickly, as Newcastle closed the deal in a couple of days.

Tonali has joined Newcastle already and he flew to Newcastle from Milan to undergo a medical. He has now returned to Milan after completing the move. When he was back in Milan, Tonali spoke to TMW and he said:

“The most difficult of my career but it was a choice that had to be made now and we made it. Milan welcomed me like a son and I will never forget it for the rest of my life. I will thank them forever, I love everyone who they worked with me and my former team-mates. I will always watch Milan and I will always be their fan. It was a choice I had to make and I made it at the right time.”

Tonali was also asked about the role and prominence of former Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini. He said: “For me he was a very important reference, especially the first year he helped me a lot and took me in his arms. Then this year the paths diverged but he will always be of great help to all the players. I will always thank him.”

The Italian underwent his Newcastle United medical in Romania, where the Italy Under-21s camp was based. For Milan, he was crucial in the Scudetto win in 2022 and is likely to be a vital player for the Magpies in the future.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN