The hardest decision of my career! Tonali not only talks about his transfer to Newcastle, he also spoke to Maldini

Sandro Tonali has transferred from AC Milan to Newcastle United in this summer transfer window, with the English club officially unveiling the new signing on Monday. The talented Italian midfielder admitted that it was the most difficult decision of his career.

It was a move that understandably upset almost most AC fans at the first stage. Tonali was, after all, seen by Tifosi as an icon and the cornerstone of a long-term project to return the Rossoneri to the limelight.

The fact remains that nobody seemed to expect his departure from Milan before the end of last season.

But then Newcastle came up with an improved offer, whereupon the club’s management agreed to sell him. Tonali then moved to England, with The Magpies spending €70 million on his move.

His transfer was announced by Newcastle on Monday. After the official presentation, Tonali made his way to Italy where, of course, journalists were waiting for him with a number of questions. The 23-year-old Italian midfielder admitted that this transfer was the most difficult decision of his career so far.

“The most difficult decision of my career, but it had to be made now,” Tonali told reporters, whose words were quoted by Football Italia.

“Milan accepted me like a son and I will be grateful to them for the rest of my life, I will never forget it. I love all my teammates, I will always be a fan because they are golden people. It was a choice I had to make and I made it at the right time,” he explained.

The Lodi native also spoke about how his teammates at AC, especially Rafael Leão, were much more surprised by his departure.

But in addition, he also mentioned his feelings about the dismissal of Paolo Maldini, now former AC Milan technical director.

“Maldini is a very important figure. He helped me a lot, especially in the first year, and took me under his wing. This year the paths have diverged, but he remains a huge figure for all the players. I will always be grateful to him,” Tonali added.

Football Italia, Transfermarkt