Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSandro Tonali has hailed Roberto de Zerbi's role in convincing him that making the move to Spurs is the right decision.The Italian midfielder has agreed terms on a move away from Newcastle United for a reported �100m.That comes despite reports of rival interest from Manchester City - and Tonali has revealed that a combination of family considerations and his connection with De Zerbi was ultimately decisive in picking Tottenham Hotspur instead.The Brescia connectionDe Zerbi and Tonali are both from Lombardy and share a connection to Brescia. De Zerbi hails from the city, while Tonali came up through the youth ranks and made his first-team breakthrough at the Brescia Calcio before his move to AC Milan.Tonali indicated that a personal connection to the Spurs boss was important in getting him on board the Spurs project. You may like Tottenham Hotspur eye �100m Premier League star: report Tottenham Hotspur agree incredible deal with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali in shock Premier League move Newcastle United midfielder 'agrees contract' with Premier League club as �90m transfer advances: report Sandro Tonali on his Spurs move and De Zerbi's role. From @SkySport interview at Milan Linate Airport. #THFC W/@MarcoBovicelli pic.twitter.com/ofwhtZTiSxJuly 2, 2026Speaking to Sky Italia, Tonali said: "Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them, so I think once you go like this, it is different."So we're all happy, and I'm ready for the new challenge.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Let's say De Zerbi did a great job. He was a huge factor in all this."It was a life choice with my family, because we've been in Newcastle for the last three years and last year, our life changed because our child was born."So we decided to change our life a bit, and De Zerbi made a big difference. He did he job and he did it very well. He did it not only as a Brescia native and a friend, but he did it by truly demonstrating that he has a lot of work behind him and he's committed to it."Tonali added: "We're definitely going step-by-step. First, getting there, getting the medical examinations, signing, and then we have to take everything slowly, starting with the training camp, which won't be easy."The World Cup is going on now, so the team will be put together in a month or so."The start will not be easy, especially since they're coming off two difficult seasons. We'll try to make sure everything is new and everything is positive."TOPICSSandro TonaliRoberto De ZerbiTottenham HotspurNewcastle UnitedManchester CityWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
