Sandro Tonali joined Newcastle United at the end of June in hopes of helping lead the Magpies to a successful 2023-2024 campaign that includes an appearance in the prestigious Champions League tournament.
However, recent reports have suggested that Tonali’s move was not absent of negativity on his side. Sources in Italy attempted to create drama after they said that he was told his time with AC Milan was coming to a close and that he did not want to join the Magpies.
This past week, Eddie Howe shut down those rumors about his new starting midfielder stating that he would never force anyone to come play for his side.
“I’ve got no desire to drag anyone to Newcastle, they have to want to run here with no shoes on – that’s the mentality we want because you have to have that togetherness and desire to do well,” he said in response.
Tonali was heavily involved in the Magpies’ 2-1 friendly win against Rangers F.C. as he helped dish off an assist to winger Miguel Almiron’s first-half goal.
His impressive play continued where he left it off in the Series-A, as he finished the 2022-23 season with two goals and seven assists, being a key catalyst for AC Milan as they finished fourth in the league.
Alongside his on-the-field play, Tonali offers a leadership personality, unlike others in the locker room.
After officially signing a contract with Newcastle, he opened up his inaugural press conference by discussing his confidence to help lead the team.
“Nothing is impossible. This is my message,” he said.
That message as a whole shook much of the Toon Army and gave them support that he believes in his new side.
That comment as is should be enough to shut down this week’s negative rumors, but it does not stop them from occurring.
Howe stated that Tonali looks at home in the historic Newcastle black and white kits and that his play on the field showcases the opposite of those rumors.
“He’ll show if he’s enjoying himself with his body language and how he plays. It certainly looks like he’s enjoying himself, certainly with the players around him in the first half,” he said. “I’d be surprised if he didn’t enjoy playing that style of football with the players he was with because it was a really attractive style of football.”
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