Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali reveals Gennaro Gattuso gave him advice before he joined the Rossoneri and says Luka Modric ‘inspired’ him.
The Italian midfielder joined Milan from Brescia last summer and was awarded as the 'Best U21 Italian player' at the Golden Boy 2020.
“Moving to Milan was one of the best things that happened in my life,” he said.
Tonali spoke to Gennaro Gattuso before signing with the Rossoneri as he picked the shirt no 8.
Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali reveals Gennaro Gattuso gave him advice before he joined the Rossoneri and says Luka Modric ‘inspired’ him.
The Italian midfielder joined Milan from Brescia last summer and was awarded as the 'Best U21 Italian player' at the Golden Boy 2020.
“Moving to Milan was one of the best things that happened in my life,” he said.
Tonali spoke to Gennaro Gattuso before signing with the Rossoneri as he picked the shirt no 8.
“I didn’t ask permission, but we spoke and he gave me advice,” Tonali revealed.
“He had already understood as soon as he picked up the phone. I have a good relationship with him and I hope to know him better.”
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner is not his only idol.
“I don’t like to have points of reference but [Luka] Modric inspired me. It’s nice to watch him play. However, I don’t want to look at a footballer and say: ‘I want to be like him.”
How is life with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the dressing room?
“It's easy, he likes to joke with us teammates, it’s not true that he isolates himself. He is our leader, on and off the pitch. He gets angry sometimes, but he is right. He is someone who we can trust.”
Milan were held to a 2-2 home draw by Parma on Sunday but remain the Serie A table leaders.
"Winning helps to win, we are not helped, but it is easier to face a game when you won the previous one.
“We face games in a serene way, having a team of young players is easier because there is less pressure.”
The 20-year-old dreams of playing the European championship with Italy next summer.
“It would be a dream come true. Us Italians always try to give our best. There are many games, and I must focus on my club, one game at the time.”