Tonali has spoken out about his “difficult” start at Newcastle before of the club’s Champions League match against AC Milan.
Despite scoring on his debut for Newcastle after a club record £60 million ($75 million) move from Milan, Tonali claims he struggled to adjust to his new surroundings and felt “lost.” After a two-year stint in Serie A with Milan, the Italian midfielder has thanked his teammates and manager Eddie Howe for assisting him in adjusting to English circumstances.
Tonali told media ahead of Newcastle’s first Champions League group stage match of 2023-24: “This summer has been difficult, and I’ve had a difficult start.” It was difficult for me to find my place in Newcastle at first, but people helped me and continue to help me now. I’ve been at ease since the first match. Mr Howe and the rest of the staff made me feel better.
Tonali talks over Newcastle Champions League Clash with former Club
“They were extremely helpful in both my personal and professional lives.” My teammates have been fantastic, especially in terms of language! That was extremely challenging for me.”
“On the field, everything changes when you go from the Italian championship to the Premier League,” he added. I was a little bewildered at first, but everyone was very helpful in every element, language, sport, and tactics.”
After finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, Newcastle returned to the Champions League after a 20-year hiatus. They were placed in a challenging group with AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund.
Tonali will play for Howe’s team against his previous club AC Milan on Tuesday at San Siro.
‘I felt lost,’ confesses Sandro Tonali of his ‘tough’ start at Newcastle following his £60 million transfer from AC Milan, as he prepares for his Champions League return to San Siro.