«I hope it’s a goodbye, not a goodbye»- Corriere.it

It took Sandro Tonali a couple of weeks to definitively say goodbye to the Milan fans for whom he was a banner. At Newcastle since last June 23, then the Under 21 European Championship and today July 2, he published a long post on Instagram in which he made all the emotions of the moment clear. He starts off with his thanks: «As you know, I have decided to embark on a new adventure and a new challenge. I begin by thanking the club that welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary club, which is and will always remain my home for me. I thank those who made sure that I wore the colors of the team of my heart and those who managed the situation with availability and sharing in the last few weeks ».

He then continues by baring his soul, admitting that he is pervaded by “a mix of emotions”. And he reiterates how much Milan has been his family, how Milan “always remains my home”. The transfer to the Premier League could be a passage, a phase of growth, Tonali: “I hope this is just a goodbye and not a goodbye,” he adds on the sidelines of his social media letter. He adds: «I’ve learned a lot in these three years and I’ve found a football family among clubs, teammates and technical staff, who have supported and guided me along my path. It is thanks to you that I have been able to improve as a footballer and as a man. I understand that this farewell can arouse mixed emotions and it is normal that there are when you leave a big piece of your heart, but it is important to remember that in football, as in life, changes are sometimes a reason for growth for everyone”.

In the end, he addresses the fans directly, those who did not expect that the Rossoneri symbol could even anticipate the official opening of the transfer market and choose to leave. agree to make the leap to the Premier League, with a very tempting offer from Newcastle. And he closes like this: «Now I want to thank my people: you who, like me, carry the Rossoneri colors in your heart. I will never forget the choirs of the South, the 19th Scudetto, all the wonderful moments shared together and the love for our Milan. I wish you all, club and fans, the best for the future and I’m sure you will still do great things together. A warm hug, with the hope that it is not a goodbye, but a goodbye. Go Milan”. The comments are not all of understanding for the choice of the midfielder, who in fact has satisfied his need for growth, probably an ambition of his. Newcastle’s significant offer was brought by his agents to the Rossoneri club with the player’s wish to move. The comments on his post of the opposite tenor. The fans on the one hand: «We will always wait for you», on the other: «You only thought about the suns».

(article being updated)