Sandro Tonali says it took just “10 minutes” to decide Tottenham was the right move after meeting Roberto De Zerbi, with the new Spurs boss playing a key role in the club’s record-breaking £100m transfer.
The Italy international completed his switch from Newcastle earlier this summer and revealed a shared connection to hometown club Brescia helped convince him to move to North London.
Tonali said De Zerbi first made contact shortly after Tottenham secured Premier League survival, before the pair later met at the midfielder’s home outside Brescia.
“We spoke about Brescia and the difficult situation facing our club,” Tonali said, referring to the financial collapse of his boyhood side.
The 26-year-old also revealed their relationship stretches back almost a decade, with De Zerbi having tried to sign him during his time at Sassuolo.
Although Tonali held talks with another club, he said the decision quickly became clear.
“When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive,” he said.
“When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it’s everything. Everything is perfect.”
London not a deciding factor in move
Tonali explained that London itself accounted for only a small part of his decision, insisting footballing reasons, De Zerbi and Tottenham’s recruitment plans were the overwhelming factors behind the move.
The midfielder admitted he and his family had previously hoped to return to Italy, but the size of his transfer fee ruled out that possibility.
“We had decided to come back to Italy but it was impossible because of the money,” he said.
“England was our solution and we found the best solution in England for me, for my career, for my football, for my happiness and for my family.”
Despite leaving Newcastle after three-and-a-half years, Tonali stressed there were no hard feelings towards his former club.
He praised outgoing manager Eddie Howe, calling him “fantastic”, and said he hopes to remain close with both Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson.
Tonali also thanked Newcastle’s supporters, saying he wanted the Magpies to receive “the best deal” because they “deserve everything”.
Now Tottenham’s record signing, the Italy international accepts the £100m price tag will bring heightened expectations but insists it will not change him away from the pitch.
“I’m a normal person,” Tonali said. “When I go back to Italy, I go to my family, to my grandma and to my friends. If it is perfect for my family, it is perfect for me.”
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