Sandro Tonali’s move to Newcastle United has got people talking.
The Italy international officially joined the club earlier this week, leaving AC Milan for Newcastle in a huge deal.
Indeed, the sight of the midfielder leaving one of Europe’s most storied clubs to move to Newcastle – undoubtedly a big club but without the silverware of Milan – has led to debate.
Reports from La Republicca in Italy had suggested the 23-year-old was in tears when leaving the Italian giants before moving to St James’ Park, while rival fans joked he did not look particularly impressed upon his arrival on Tyneside.
Still, that’s all conjecture.
Now, Tonali has spoken on his feelings.
Sandro Tonali shares first impressions of Newcastle after joining from AC Milan
The midfielder has finally been pictured donning the famous black and white kit, as well as at St James’ Park for the first time.
Speaking to TuttomercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Tonali said: “The first impressions are positive, I met the people who wanted me at all costs and who can’t wait to work with me.
“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 worked with me and my former teammates. I’ll always watch Milan and I’ll always be their fan. It was a choice I had to make and I made it at the right time.”
Emotion about leaving Milan is only natural
For Tonali to leave the club he supported as a boy as well as his native homeland for the first time in his career is a big life decision.
As such, strong emotions about the move are only natural. Just because he was reportedly upset about leaving does not mean he actively did not want to join Newcastle, after all.
It’s a huge change to every aspect of his life. That is always likely to illicit some strong emotions.
The most important thing is that he’s signed on the dotted line.
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