Sandro Tonali is officially a former Milan player, and he will play at Newcastle next season.
The moment has come, and it has arrived much sooner than many people – including the player himself – probably thought it would: Tonali has left Milan.
The deal with Newcastle has been agreed for weeks, but only today (Monday) all the details were completed and the official statement arrived:
“Milan announces the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United FC. The Club thanks the midfielder for the three splendid years together and wishes him the very best in his professional and personal future,” the club wrote on its website.
Tonali signed a contract with the Premier League outfit until 2028. It is reported that Newcastle agreed to pay around €80m including bonuses for Tonali.
After the official announcement, Sandro who has become the most expensive Italian player in history, and the biggest sale in the history of the Rossoneri, wrote a goodbye message to Milan:
“Today I find myself here with a mix of emotions in my heart. As you know, I have decided to embark on a new adventure and a new challenge. I start with a thank you to the club that welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary club, which for me is and will always remain my home.
“I thank those who made me wear the colours of the team of my heart and who managed with availability the situation over the last few weeks. I learned a lot during these three years and I found a football family among the club, the teammates and the technical staff, who supported and guided me in my path. It is thanks to you that I have improved as a footballer and as a man.
“I understand that this goodbye can arouse mixed emotions and it is normal to feel this way when you leave a big piece of your heart, but it is important to remember that in football, as well as in life, changes sometimes are a reason for everyone’s growth. Now I want to thank my people: you who, like me, carry in your hearts the red and black colours. I will never forget the chants of Curva Sud, the 19th Scudetto, all the wonderful moments shared together and the love for our Milan.
“I wish you all, the club and fans, the best for the future and I am sure you will still do great things together. A warm embrace, with the hope that it is not a farewell, but a goodbye.
“Forza Milan. Sandro.”