Sandro Tonali lifts lid on AC Milan axe and Newcastle United sacrifice – ‘I don’t care’
Sandro Tonali’s journey from AC Milan’s problem child to Newcastle United’s midfield linchpin reveals a player transformed. The Italian international’s candid confession about his chronic punctuality issues at Milan – where former manager Stefano Pioli once dropped him for arriving 40 minutes late to a team meeting – contrasts sharply with his current status as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers.
“Waking up in the morning is my problem,” Tonali admitted in a revealing interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio. “I will always have it.” Yet Eddie Howe appears to have unlocked the best version of the 23-year-old, whose disciplinary struggles in Italy have given way to match-winning performances on Tyneside.
Tonali’s integration into Newcastle’s formidable midfield trio alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães has been nothing short of transformative. The trio’s dominant displays, particularly in the Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool, have established them as one of Europe’s most balanced midfield units.
Tonali’s renaissance has been so impressive that European giants including Milan, Manchester United, and Barcelona have reportedly registered interest, though Newcastle remain adamant he’s going nowhere.
The midfielder’s personal growth during his 10-month betting ban reveals even more about his character. Tonali voluntarily disconnected from modern distractions, living without a phone or tablet for seven months during his suspension. “I only watched TV for matches and films,” he revealed.
“Not watching social media made me feel completely lighter.” This digital detox allowed him to reflect deeply on his mistakes while avoiding the media storm surrounding his ban. His willingness to confront his shortcomings head-on speaks volumes about the maturity that now complements his technical ability.
Howe’s handling of Tonali deserves particular praise. Where Pioli punished tardiness with benching, the Newcastle manager has created an environment where Tonali thrives.
The Italian’s tireless work rate and creative spark have become indispensable to Howe’s system, proving that sometimes the right manager-player relationship can transform perceived weaknesses into strengths.
Tonali’s gratitude towards Newcastle for standing by him during his ban is palpable. The club’s loyalty has fostered a determination to repay their faith through performances, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits both player and team.
His partnership with Guimarães and Joelinton exemplifies modern midfield balance – combining Guimarães’ playmaking, Joelinton’s physicality, and Tonali’s tactical intelligence into a cohesive unit greater than the sum of its parts.
As Newcastle build towards becoming regular trophy challengers, Tonali represents both their present and future. His journey from Milan’s disciplinary headache to Newcastle’s midfield heartbeat serves as a testament to the transformative power of the right environment, patient management, and personal accountability.
While he may never conquer his morning struggles, Tonali has certainly mastered the art of midfield dominance – and for Newcastle fans, that’s the only wake-up call that matters.