AC Milan release short 40-word statement as Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United confirmed

AC Milan have thanked Sandro Tonali for “three splendid years” following his £52million plus add-ons move to Newcastle United.

The transfer was confirmed by Newcastle at 12pm on Monday with the 23-year-old putting pen to paper on an initial five-year contract.

Tonali spent three seasons at his boyhood team Milan after joining from Brescia. He helped the club win their first Scudetto in 11 years as well as reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2007 last season.

“AC Milan announces that it has definitively sold the registration rights of the player Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United,” a statement from the Serie A giants read.

“The Club thanks the midfielder for the three splendid years spent together and wishes him the best personal and professional satisfaction.”

A deal for Tonali was first agreed around 10 days ago when Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of recruitment Steve Nickson flew to Milan to hold face-to-face talks.

The structure of the transfer, which includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause to AC Milan, was thrashed out before Nickson joined Tonali’s agent on a chartered flight to Cluj-Napoca in Romania, where the midfielder was based for the under-21s Euros with Italy.

It was there Tonali underwent medical tests and agreed personal terms.

NewcastleWorld understands Tonali is expected to travel to Tyneside for the first time on Wednesday to pose for photos at St James’ Park and the club’s Benton training ground.

“First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career,” said Tonali.

“I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park, I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.”

The midfielder, capped 14 times by Italy, was identified as one of Eddie Howe’s top targets.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United,” said the Magpies’ head coach. “He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.

“At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country.

“But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.”