Tonali explains how leaving Milan for ‘less tactical’ Premier League ‘helped’ him develop

Sandro Tonali has spoken about how moving to the Premier League has helped him in his development as a midfielder.

Few players have captured the hearts and minds of Milan fans like Tonali did in recent years. Even now, two years on from his departure, the sale of the boyhood Rossoneri fan is still a heavily discussed topic, and many still dream of his return.

In the 2023 summer transfer window, Tonali chose to try a new experience outside of Italy. Fabrizio Romano reported at the time that he joined Newcastle for €70m including bonuses, and will get a potential €9m net per season for six years. After serving a gambling ban, he is now a key man for them.

‘The Premier League helped me’

Tonali spoke to the press before Italy’s match against Israel this evening, and he commented on what he has learned from taking a leap outside of his comfort zone to go and play in England.

“After the warm-up, the players can play in any stadium. When I play, I just focus; I don’t look outside anymore. Even when we played in front of 80,000 people, it was the same for us,” he said (via MilanNews).

“We play as if we were on the pitch and bring what we’ve prepared throughout the week. Tomorrow [today] we’ll face a respectable opponent, with strong players, so we mustn’t underestimate anyone but play our football.

“When you’re struggling, you work harder; you understand what you really want to do and what you care about. The Premier League helped me; they play a different kind of football, less tactical but very fast, quick, and physical.

“That’s the difference compared to other leagues. But it’s not just that; it’s the work that goes into it every day.”