Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has broken his silence on transfer talk linking him with a move back to Serie A.
The Italy international will soon link up with his country for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals against Germany with the first leg taking place at what the press in his own country describe as his “spiritual home” in the San Siro given his stint at AC Milan. The Rossoneri have been linked with a move for the star in the last couple of windows while Juventus also made enquiries on the Newcastle midfield ace.
Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder. However, Tonali is keen to put those stories to bed and said: “I have never spoken about returning (to Serie A) with my agents.
“And I know, from experience, that if you don’t get to that point, there is nothing concrete. Anyway, in any case, I am happy with myself here, I have found my rhythm here, and there is no need to upset it again.”
Tonali made the £55million move from the Milan in summer 2023 but was soon hit by controversy after being caught up in an illegal Italian betting scandal. That earned Tonali a 10-month ban from FIFA and left Newcastle with plenty of explaining after their research skills on transfers were questioned.
But Tonali has returned a better player and been one of the stars of the season on Tyneside. The ex-Brescia man has a Carabao Cup final to look forward to and knows he could achieve Champions League qualification at St James’ Park.
He told La Repubblica: “I want to win for the Newcastle fans; soon, we will have the first opportunity at Wembley.
“The transfer has been good, not just economically. I grew up and discovered a new country, a new football and a new language.”
However, Tonali refused to shut the door on a move back to Milan one day. He said: “I have no regrets. The idea of returning to Milan one day is there, but it’s not the thought that comes when I wake up in the morning.”
Tonali goes into this weekend’s FA Cup tie with Brighton having recovered from a hamstring injury but far from happy with the team’s performance in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. The midfielder showed his disappointment during the defeat.
