Sandro Tonali returns to Milan for the first time since moving away from the Rossoneri, as Newcastle United prepare to visit San Siro in the UEFA Champions League Group F opener. The ex-Brescia midfielder still holds the Rossonero spirit close to his heart but is ready to give everything for the Magpies in the club’s UCL comeback.
Speaking to the press in his pre-match conference (via Calciomercato), Tonali expressed his emotions at his return to the club he grew at in the previous three seasons.
“Today I feel strong emotions because Milan is the team I support and gave me the opportunity to grow. But tomorrow is match-day and iwill be different. I will have no problems managing the situation, even if I see a full stadium and all my former teammates again. I expect a great match, intense, hard-fought and tough for both teams. I could already feel it before the draw. I hope to enjoy the evening.”
Tonali also shed some background on his transfer to Newcastle.
“Would I have stayed at Milan if it had been up to me? Nowadays, it is difficult for a footballer to ask for a transfer to a specific team. When I received the offer from Newcastle, I was happy. I gave a lot to Milan. Then it was difficult to settle in England, but everyone here helped me.”
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. Milan arrive into the clash on the back of a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, whereas Newcastle have also suffered in recent outings, having narrowly edged Brentford 1-0 last matchday.
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