Sandro Tonali admits he had to fight hard to help the Milan loan move become permanent and they’ll see his ‘real growth’ this season.
The midfielder has always been a Rossoneri supporter and was desperate to make the loan move permanent, even taking a pay cut to ensure Brescia and Milan could resolve the differences in their valuation.
He completed the transfer this afternoon, signing a contract to June 2026.
“It would’ve been really difficult to get this transfer completed without wanting it a great deal, so I am happy for me, for Milan and all those who helped it go through. It all ended in the best way,” Tonali told Milan TV.
The club had tried to renegotiate the terms of the option to buy after a disappointing debut season, even though he did make 37 competitive appearances.
“I think playing 37 games for Milan is like 100 in any other team. My real growth will be seen this season. What I lacked was something perhaps the whole team did, which was consistency. We started the season so strong, then slowed down, and at the end pushed hard again, but we and I are ready now.”
Milan qualified for the Champions League after a seven-year absence, but lost Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu as free agents.
“We must do even more than what we achieved so far, all working together in the same direction, that is fundamental,” continued Tonali.
“I have grown up over the last year, both on and off the pitch, and am more mature in every way.”
The dream goes on, Sandro!
Sandro, il sogno continua! #NewPlayerUnlocked #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/98mddgM9z0— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 8, 2021