Italy coach Roberto Mancini admitted to ‘some regrets’ when asked about Sandro Tonali’s imminent move to Newcastle United.
After moving away from Inter talisman Nicolo Barella, the Magpies decided to approach Milan to discuss a deal for Tonali. Things moved quickly and it didn’t take long for the Saudi-backed side to agree a circa €80m deal, leaving Rossoneri fans heartbroken.
Tonali carried out his pre-transfer medicals with Newcastle in Romania yesterday and is now expected to officially join the club in the coming days, further dampening the mood amongst the Milan crowd.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Mancini was asked about Tonali’s imminent move from Milan to Newcastle.
“On the one hand there’s some regrets, if a player as good and young as Tonali leaves Italy it means there’s some problems. On a technical level though, playing in the Premier League will serve Tonali well, it’s good for him.”
The departure of Tonali has not gone down well with Rossoneri fans, who were already tense following the dismissal of technical director Paolo Maldini earlier this month. Many believe that the midfielder wouldn’t have been sold had Maldini not been shown the door by Gerry Cardinale.