Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has confirmed he prefers life in the Premier League compared to Serie A.
Tonali has frequently been linked with a move back to Serie A, despite the fact he has established himself as a leading Premier League midfielder.
While Tonali’s long-term future at Newcastle United is unclear after his recent comments, a move back to Italy at this stage of his career does not seem likely.
Newcastle are in a strong position to demand top dollar for Tonali if interest emerges next summer and the most expensive signing in Serie A history stands at the £99.2million Juventus reportedly paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018.
At this stage, it seems doubtful a Serie A club could afford to put a package together that would genuinely convince Newcastle to sell Tonali. Still, such have been the weight of the transfer rumours over the last few months, speculation is likely to continue.
Asked about how he feels about Serie A, Tonali gave an honest answer.
Eddie Howe embraces Sandro Tonali.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali confirms he prefers the Premier League to Serie A
Tonali doesn’t want to return to Italy at this stage of his career, which makes sense.
Whether or not he stays at Newcastle for many years to come is up for debate but it seems the 25-year-old is enjoying life in the Premier League.
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Asked by Stadium Astro about the differences between the leagues, Tonali said: “I prefer the Premier League, because the football here is quick, it’s more physical, more aggressive. We put everything on the pitch.
“In Italy, it’s a lot of tactics. I like tactics, because when I come back and play in the national team, we play and train a lot with tactics.
“I don’t know which is the best but, for now, I prefer the Premier League.”
Why Sandro Tonali prefers the Premier League to Serie A
Tonali appears to be suggesting that his all-action playing style is much better-suited to English football. Clearly, he was a brilliant player in Serie A too, though there’s little doubt that he’s evolved as a midfielder since leaving.
Tonali thinks Newcastle have turned him into a better player for a reason. While always talented, he looks much more robust than he did during his first few months at the club.
One day, Tonali will leave Newcastle and it will be painful for supporters. A return to Italy, however, looks off the table at this age.