Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is ‘looking forward’ to meeting Milan in Champions League but hopes he ‘gets the reception he deserves’ at San Siro.
Milan were drawn with Newcastle, PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League group stage on Thursday, meaning they’ll meet their ex-players Tonali and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Newcastle coach Howe held a pre-match press conference on Friday to discuss the outcome of the draw, among other things.
One question was about Tonali and his reaction to meeting Milan just a few months after his €80m transfer. Howe confirmed he had spoken to the Italian after the draw.
“I have and I think it’s a great thing for him,” he said.
“I hope he gets the reception that he deserves for what he did for the club and how much he loves Milan. I am sure he’s looking forward to the game. I won’t go into much detail, but I think he was pleased to return home.”