Sandro Tonali has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur and wasted no time addressing the speculation that surrounded his summer transfer.
The Italy international was heavily linked with several clubs before his switch to north London was officially confirmed on Tottenham’s website.
Tonali was emphatic in dismissing reports that multiple clubs were competing for his signature, insisting there was only ever one destination in his mind.
Speaking to Tottenham’s official site after completing the move, Tonali said: “I’m very happy to be here. When I arrived at the Club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs – there was only one.”
Tonali revealed that a lengthy conversation with head coach Roberto De Zerbi played a decisive role in convincing him that Spurs was the right move for his career.
“I spoke to the Head Coach for close to two hours about the Club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham,” he added.
The 26-year-old also expressed his excitement about performing in front of Tottenham’s supporters, having experienced the atmosphere at the club as a visiting player on previous occasions.
“I’ve played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can’t wait to start the season,” Tonali said.
Alongside his arrival at Spurs, Tonali took time to deliver a heartfelt parting message to the Newcastle fans who stood by him during one of the most difficult periods of his career.
As quoted by journalist Lee Ryder, Tonali said: “When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James’ Park. That’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
The message was a clear reference to the unwavering support Newcastle supporters showed Tonali during his ten-month FIFA ban, when fans continued to chant his name despite his global suspension.
Tonali’s arrival at Spurs forms part of a busy summer of recruitment that has also seen the club bring in Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke to strengthen their squad.
After back-to-back difficult seasons, the combination of Tonali and Fernandes in midfield offers Tottenham supporters genuine reasons for optimism heading into the new campaign under De Zerbi.
