Sandro Tonali’s agent has once again been discussing the transfer to Newcastle United back in 2023.
Sandro Tonali’s agent has been discussing the midfielder’s move to Newcastle United in the Italian press - and he has revealed the former AC Milan star was sad during the early weeks of his time on Tyneside.
Just over three years have passed since United completed a reported £63m move for the Italy international as they prepared for their first Champions League campaign in two decades. Tonali made an instant impact when he scored on his competitive debut in a comfortable win against Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League campaign - but his first season at St James Park was cut short when he received a lengthy ban for breaking gambling regulations.
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Tonali enjoyed his best spell in black and white when he returned to contention as he helped the Magpies end their 70-year wait for major domestic silverware and was part of the side that qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. However, speculation over a possible move away from Newcastle was never far from the headlines - and that came to pass this summer when he made a big money move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso has reflected on the midfielder’s ‘crazy move’ to Newcastle during the summer of 2023 and claimed he endured a ‘very difficult start to life on Tyneside.
He told the Colpi da Maestro podcast: “We made the first step because we realised that Milan were becoming different. I know Milan well, and this was not giving the same sensations as that historic club. Talking to Sandro, we considered that going to the Premier League was a fascinating challenge. He had courage to go, because he was one of the most important players in the Scudetto-winning side, but he was a visionary. It was very difficult for him, in the first few weeks he was sad, but he got a handle on things and made his mark, as always.
“It was a crazy move for the numbers, but also for the responsibility. When you talk to Sandro and explain your vision, you take responsibility. It was complicated during those first few weeks when I saw how sad he was, but after a while he got used to it and it proved to be the right choice.”