Sandro Tonali has talked up the Tottenham Hotspur atmosphere as a motivating factor behind his Newcastle United departure.
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Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Sandro Tonali for hailing the Tottenham Hotspur atmosphere.
In a scathing attack on the Italian, Agbonlahor doubled down on his belief that he left Newcastle United for financial reasons. Tonali will bank £275,000 per week in North London - dwarfing his Toon pay packet.
Speculation surrounded the midfielder throughout last season and a £100million deal was confirmed on Monday. Arsenal and Manchester City were linked with Tonali’s signature but Spurs ultimately stumped up the cash.
What Sandro Tonali said
Speaking to Tottenham’s media channel, Tonali highlighted the atmosphere inside the stadium as a driving factor for the move. He said: "I can't wait to play in this stadium because I played a few times against Tottenham with AC Milan in the Champions League and with Newcastle.
“I found a great atmosphere. I found every time (it was) a full stadium, which is not easy because the stadium is so big. The fans can change the game in two minutes. The fans work with you. I think the fans are one of the best."
Gabby Agbonlahor reacts
Agbonlahor - who slammed the financial restrictions after Tottenham signed Tonali - is not buying it. He firmly believes the 26-year-old left Newcastle for the money.
"Atmosphere? Do me a favour,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT. “Don't make me laugh. I went to the game last season, Spurs against Aston Villa. Probably the quietest stadium I've ever been to. Zero atmosphere.
"You've gone for the big bucks, you've gone for the money that Newcastle probably wouldn't give you. Leaving Newcastle to go to Spurs is a crazy decision, let's just call it as it is. Do me a favour, the stadium."