Fuming AC Milan fans say Sandro Tonali has ‘downgraded’ by swapping Italy for English ‘atrocities’ like shepherd’s pie
AC MILAN fans have raged at Sandro Tonali as he prepares to leave the club to join Newcastle.
Eddie Howe‘s men are closing in on a £55million deal for the Italian midfielder as the Toon prepare to return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Yet despite the pull of Europe’s premier competition, some Milan supporters still cannot understand why the 23-year-old would swap the Lombardy region of Italy for the North East of England.
Reacting on social media, one person ranted: “Footballing bias aside I’m not sure you could pay me enough to move from Milan to Newcastle, downgrading in every single department (weather, food, people, city, vibes, style, art, nightlife).
“I’d love to see Tonali’s face the first time they give him a shepherd’s pie or some other English atrocity.
“London the only realistic place in England to move to for European players to avoid a massive culture shock.”
Another user backed that view up, adding: “‘Ive been to Newcastle, it’s s**t and depressing. The people are lovely though.
“But if you are Mediterranean, you will suffer there.”
However, Newcastle fans were quick to rip into the Milan contingent who had decided to take aim at their city.
One replied: “Seems Botman preferred the bridges to life in Milan .”
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A second Magpies supporter added: “Find me a Popworld in Milan.”
And a third replied: “A Greggs steak bake and a Lucozade is so clear of ‘lasagne’ and ‘red wine’.”
Tonali, 23, who Chelsea were also interested in, joined Milan on loan from Brescia three years ago before he made the move permanent in 2021.
He helped the Rossoneri to their first scudetto in more than a decade last year.
And he made 48 appearances for Stefano Pioli’s side this season as Milan reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2007.
His impressive displays have seen him become a regular in Italy‘s U21 side.
And he is set to captain the age group team at the Under-21 European Championship later this month.
As well as Tonali, Newcastle are also heavily linked with a move for Leicester playmaker James Maddison.
But they face stiff competition from Tottenham who are hot in pursuit of the England international’s signature.
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