‘It’s difficult’ - Sandro Tonali makes honest Newcastle United admission
Sandro Tonali quickly became a fans’ favourite following his move to Newcastle United from AC Milan.
Sandro Tonali has admitted “it is difficult” to stay under the radar as a Newcastle United player but would not wish for anything different.
As a one-club city, the Magpies are renowned for their fervent support across Tyneside and beyond. Players are often treated like gods for eternity should they sweat blood and tears for the black-and-white cause.
Tonali received instant adulation when he arrived from AC Milan in 2023. His big-money arrival capitalised on the buzz following Champions League qualification.
The Italian was slapped with a ban for breaching betting regulations just 12 games into his Toon career but that did not waver the support. Toon fans continued singing Tonali’s name at games and gave him an emotional return at Nottingham Forest in August.
Sandro Tonali on life as a Newcastle United player
Speaking to the club’s media channel, Tonali opened up about struggling to stay incognito on Tyneside. However, that is something “crazy” that the midfielder enjoys about the Magpies.
“If you live in this city, with one city and one team, it’s difficult because all the people are Newcastle fans,” he said. “This is nice because you know you are important in this city for these fans and people. I like this.
“There are a lot of fans here, a lot of people that live for Newcastle and only for the Newcastle team. This is lovely. This is amazing because this is not a fan only for the Sunday or Saturday but for every day.
“In the morning… at the training ground… everywhere. This is crazy. If you see a fan on Monday, in the city centre, they have a shirt on from the game. This is the first time for me. I’ve never seen this in my life. I’ve seen (fans wearing shirts) for the game but not a normal day during the week. This is crazy.”
Honest reflection on AC Milan upbringing
Tonali believes life at Newcastle is “perfect” - sending a fierce message to Italian media outlets. Outlets on the continent have been desperate to link the midfielder with a return since his £55million move.
“When I was young my life was so similar because, if you play football, your week is the same in every country,” Tonali added. “Maybe in Milan it was a little bit different because my family was nearer to me, and Guilia’s family as well, but here we are alone.
“Me, Guilia, the dog, some friends, but the distance is so different for us. But we live very well with other families. Sometimes our families come here to watch the game or just to spend time with us.
“I think this is the perfect line because it’s not long with the family and not long alone. But this is perfect for me and Guilia.”
Father’s ‘dream’ came true at AC Milan
Tonali did, however, concede that his lifelong dream came true by playing for boyhood club Milan. He said: “For my dad, it was amazing. It was a dream. And for me as well. But I think, after three years, I tried to change my life for football. I won a trophy, a league in Italy. After 11 years, it was fantastic. I loved my time in Milan but now I have another time here in Newcastle to win a trophy.”