Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonaliplaceholder image
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali | Getty Images
Newcastle United have released a fresh Sandro Tonali interview after awkward comments regarding his future emerged in midweek.
Sandro Tonali has doubled down that he is “happy” at Newcastle United after raising concern over his future in midweek.
The Italian produced a man-of-the-match performance against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday to put his team in a commanding position for at least a play-off spot. However, the headlines the following morning centred around his post-match comments rather than a dominant midfield display.
Tonali appeared to downplay news that emerged a fortnight ago about his “secret” contract extension - tying him down until 2030. He also refused to commit to Newcastle long term, while also referencing former striker Alexander Isak.
Sandro Tonali on contract situation
“This extension was three years ago after the ban,” Tonali told a media huddle. “I don't know why everybody spoke about this. I signed after the ban for another year. And I'm happy, not just for one more year here, but I'm happy for the people, for the fans, for every player, every member of the staff here in Newcastle. Every day I work to win every game. I work for every person in Newcastle.”
Sandro Tonali gives unconvincing answer
When asked if his long-term future will be at Newcastle, Tonali added: “This is a tough question because in football you need to think year on year. I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year on year. This is football. Last summer was tough for us, for Alex (Isak), but this is football.
“If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here for 10 years’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”
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Club issue fresh comments
Days after Tonali’s comments caused a stir, he has given an interview to the club’s media team to announce his happiness at St James’ Park. He told the Newcastle website: "I'm really happy. I try to live a very easy life. I'm happy with my family, my family is happy here, and so I think this is perfect for me, perfect for my football.
"I play very good football now, so I think everything is perfect now. I don't want to change anything for my life because everything is 100 per cent; everything is very well now and I think this is perfect for me and for my family."
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