Sandro Tonali has admitted he was keen to leave Newcastle United in search of a new challenge, but insists he left St James’ Park on the best terms. Tonali made clear his desire to move on from Newcastle before the Magpies secured a staggering £100m transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies were reluctant to make a deal with Spurs, but Tonali made the surprising claim that Newcastle have his best interests at heart, while also securing a sizable return. On his way out of Milan’s airport, Tonali was asked by assembled television reporters if he was satisfied with the deal: “Yes, we have decided to make a change and we are ready for this new adventure.”
He continued: “Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best contract for Newcastle. So I think once that happens it will be different. So we’re all happy and ready for a new challenge.”
When asked why he chose Spurs, Tonali said: “Let’s say Roberto de Zerbi was a big part of this. As a life choice, we’re from Newcastle and life changes with the birth of a child. So we decided to change things up a little bit. De Zerbi made a big change and did a very good job.”
Newcastle were informed of Tonali’s desire to find pastures new through his agent Giuseppe Rizzo earlier this month, and a number of clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham have approached him about a potential move.
In the end, Spurs emerged as his potential destination. Spurs were the only club to meet all the conditions regarding transfer fee, agent fee and £275,000-a-week wage.
Tonali also clarified that a return to Italian football with a Serie A club during this period is by no means a realistic possibility, despite rumors of links with AC Milan or Juventus in 2026.
“It’s always been very difficult. We’ve talked about it, but this opportunity never came,” he said.
He also quipped that he would welcome the opportunity to wear the Milan shirt again someday, the club Newcastle spending £55 million to buy him in 2023.
