Sandro Tonali repeatedly said he wouldn’t leave Milan over the last few years but is now set to join Newcastle for more than €70m.
The Magpies are set to complete Tonali’s signing today with the Italy international expected to undergo his medical in Romania, where he is on international duty with Italy U21.
He will sign an €8m-a-year deal plus €2m add-ons while Newcastle will pay €70m plus bonuses, believed to be in the region of €10m.
Tonali currently earns €3.5m per season with the Diavoli.
Tonali is a die-hard Milan fan and said many times in the last few years that he would not consider leaving the Rossoneri.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has put together four quotes of the 23-year-old saying he didn’t want to walk out of San Siro.
Read more – Tonali initially rejected Newcastle, Milan players reaction to transfer revealed
Interview with Corriere della Sera two years ago
What if Milan receive a big offer from the Premier League?
“I know what I did to get to this shirt, and I would never make the mistake of leaving. I know it’s hard, especially in football today, but I dream of becoming a Bandiera (legend) of Milan. And I will do everything to do so.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport, May 2022
“Reducing my salary for Milan was my last thought, like the renewal. Because I definitely want to stay here, contract after contract. It would be nice to become a Bandiera, but I superstitiously don’t look so far away.”
Interview with magazine Sette, August 2022
“There was no chance to join Milan when I was ten. I got there at the right time. And I want to stay here.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport, December 2022
“I want to stay as long as I can. If you ask me today, I’ll say for the rest of my career. But it is too early to make such a promise. The desire counts but many other factors can affect a decision: health, injuries, and family. It is impossible to make such long-term forecasts”.
Tonali cut his salary to return to Milan on a permanent transfer from Brescia in 2021 after a disappointing one-year loan in 2020-21.
He has made 131 appearances with the Serie A giants, scoring seven goals.
He’s an absolute snake.
Things change…. do wedding vows means no-divorce, come on. Get real.
Anyone who believes what a modern player says is about as gullible as they come.
And Milan probably wanted to sell him anyway.
Milan management pushing him out the door really.