AC Milan are set to lose a crucial employee to their former player Sandro Tonali.
Tonali has joined Newcastle United for an initial club-record fee of £52 million as the club's marquee signing going into their first season back in the Champions League after a fourth-placed finish last term.
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract and takes the No.8 shirt at Newcastle, who were genuinely surprised that they were able to secure his services.
However, early on there were some worries from fans that Tonali didn't actually want to be at Newcastle. He arrived in blistery conditions on Tyneside and then there was a viral clip where he told his other half Juliette Pastore that the gym was "bigger in Milanello".
Advert
The Italy international has refuted those claims, while Eddie Howe has said the 23-year-old is "very proud to be here".
However, Tonali has still made a shrewd decision in a bid to settle in to his new surroundings.
La Repubblica say he has hired Andrea Romeo, who was team manager at the Rossoneri from 2017 until now.
Advert
The 52-year-old was a former referee and previously held the position at rivals Inter.
He will essentially join Tonali's staff in the North East and look after him, though the report claims the plan is to "integrate" him into the backroom staff at Newcastle in the future.
Tonali made his Toon debut against Rangers before playing against Premier League sides Aston Villa and Chelsea as part of the pre-season tour of the United States.
Advert
Howe has already acknowledged that it will take time for Tonali to fully bed in.
“I think it takes time with every new player,” Howe said.
“There is an adaptation period, especially for players who come from different leagues. Sandro will have experienced a higher intensity and quality of opposition during the last two games. He’s getting used to our style and his teammates.”
Topics: AC Milan, Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United
Josh Lawless