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AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has claimed he received death threats over the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United.
As a boyhood Milan fan, Tonali was the Italian giants’ poster boy. A Serie A title winner in 2022 and a Champions League semi-finalist a year later, the 24-year-old was at the heart of everything at the San Siro.
So when news broke that Newcastle had agreed a deal to sign the midfielder, Milan fans were left stunned, most of whom were angry with their club’s decision to accept the cash.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eighteen months on and Furlani - who met face-to-face with then Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth to thrash out negotiations - has spoken candidly about Tonali’s departure during a presentation at Harvard Business School.
Newcastle are understood to have paid £55million, though Furlani claims the transfer was worth £58m plus £8m in potential add-ons.
“We didn’t sell him because we needed to; we sold him because it was an excellent offer,” said Furlani. “We earned €70 million plus a €10 million earn-out — the highest fee ever in Serie A. Thanks to that sale, we signed six new players and completely revamped the squad. We don’t sell out of necessity; we sell opportunistically.
“I’ve realized there’s no escaping what people say on TV or write in newspapers — it really hits you on bad days. And then there are even worse days, like when I receive death threats, for example after selling Tonali. “
Tonali made 12 appearances for Newcastle, including a return to the San Siro in the Champions League group stage, before being hit with a 10-month betting ban.
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The Italian returned in August and in the last few weeks has established himself as a key cog in the Magpies’ midfield. Last week, Tonali made headlines for his brace in United’s 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
“I like to see players rewarded for their dedication, hard work and loyalty - those things mean a lot when you see behind the scenes what a player has given to achieve success,” Howe said after the game.
“Sandro has given a lot here, a lot of difficult moments and a lot of dark times, probably a lot of dark and negative emotions early on with the ban so to see what he has gone through and now to see him enjoying his football, I’m just really happy for him and his family.
“It's brilliant to see from my perspective. He's a big signing and you want your big signings to do well and settle quickly. He's been here a while but has had very little football so nights like tonight will build the connection between him and the supporters even stronger. I'm really pleased for him on a personal level.”
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