Sandro Tonali opens up on adapting to life in London after Tottenham move
Sandro Tonali has revealed that his wife was already more familiar with London than he was when the Italian midfielder completed his big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham paid Newcastle United a club-record £100million for Tonali in July, despite the midfielder failing to score a Premier League goal last season. His arrival was part of Spurs’ ambitious £340million rebuild following two consecutive 17th-place finishes.
The transfer came after interest from other top Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly considering moves for the midfielder previously. However, Tottenham eventually won the race for his signature, with Tonali also making it clear that he wanted to experience life in the English capital.
The midfielder, who is reportedly earning around £275,000 per week, has already experienced the intensity of his former club’s supporters. Newcastle fans made their feelings known when Tonali returned to St James’ Park with Tottenham, with the hosts eventually claiming a 2-0 victory.
Tonali on adjusting to London
Speaking to Soccer Bible, Tonali admitted that London has been a major change compared with his previous life in Newcastle. However, he said he has received a warm welcome and has found the transition easier because of his family.
“London is a busy city and it’s very different from where I was before,” Tonali explained. “But the people have been lovely so far. I’m also lucky because my wife already knew London better than me. As long as I have her and my family, everything is good.”
Tonali urges young players to dream big
Tonali also shared advice for aspiring footballers, insisting that players should never stop believing in their ambitions.
The Tottenham midfielder explained that he always dreamed of playing in Serie A and eventually competing in the Premier League, which he considers the best league in the world.
His message to young players was simple: keep dreaming, aim high and never give up on those ambitions throughout your career.
