Sandro Tonali's Agent Reveals Midfielder's Sadness After Surprising AC Milan Exit and Transfer Journey

Sandro Tonali's Emotional Struggle After Leaving AC Milan

Beppe Riso, the agent of Sandro Tonali, has opened up about the midfielder’s emotional challenge after his unexpected transfer from AC Milan to Newcastle United. The Italian star found it hard to adjust during his early days in the Premier League, a period marked by sadness despite his promising talent.

Early Difficulties in England

Leaving Milan, where Tonali grew up supporting and was instrumental in their Serie A title, was not an easy step. When Newcastle made a €67 million offer in summer 2023, Tonali hesitated. According to Riso, those first weeks in the North East left the player feeling deeply unhappy with the move.

Reasons Behind the Departure from AC Milan

Riso explained that the main reason for leaving Italy was a change in Milan’s atmosphere and identity. The agent felt the club was drifting away from its historic roots. On the Colpi da Maestro podcast, he said,

"We made the first step because we realised that Milan were becoming different. I know Milan well, and this was not giving the same sensations as that historic club. Talking to Sandro, we considered that going to the Premier League was a fascinating challenge. He had courage to go, because he was one of the most important players in the Scudetto-winning side, but he was a visionary."

Adjusting and Overcoming Challenges

Tonali’s adaptation to new environments has historically been slow. Even during his initial rise at Milan, he struggled to make an immediate impact after moving up from Brescia. Despite feeling sad in his first weeks at Newcastle, Tonali eventually found his footing and demonstrated his quality on the field.

"It was very difficult for him, in the first few weeks he was sad, but he got a handle on things and made his mark, as always," Riso added.

Record Transfer to Tottenham Hotspur

After proving himself at Newcastle, Tonali’s performances caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur. Three years later, Spurs invested a huge €108 million to secure the midfielder’s services. Riso spoke about the enormous pressure surrounding such a high-profile switch:

"It was a crazy move for the numbers, but also for the responsibility."

The agent believes Tonali is now exactly where he belongs. Although the initial exit from Italy was tough, the player has embraced life in the Premier League and continues to evolve.