EPL: Why I joined Tottenham Hotspur – Tonali

Sandro Tonali, the Italian midfielder who recently completed a club-record £100 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, has detailed the reasons behind his decision to join the London club. The move came after he left Newcastle United, despite interest from other clubs with more stable histories. Tonali emphasized that his relationship with manager Roberto de Zerbi was central to his choice. He revealed that a brief conversation with the coach was enough to convince him that Tottenham was the right fit. Tonali and De Zerbi share a deep personal connection through their ties to Brescia, the football club where both began their careers. De Zerbi grew up supporting Brescia and even played for the club before becoming a manager, while Tonali started his professional journey there. During their discussions, they focused heavily on Brescia's challenges, particularly its recent relegation to Italy’s third tier. According to reports, Tonali mentioned how they talked about the difficulties facing the club, which resonated with his own experiences. The bond between the two men dates back to De Zerbi’s time at Sassuolo, where he attempted to sign Tonali. Although the transfer didn’t happen then, the two developed a friendly rapport over the years. Last season, De Zerbi reached out to a mutual friend to gauge Tonali’s interest in joining Tottenham. The player was reportedly open to the idea, and once Spurs ensured their Premier League survival, De Zerbi initiated contact regarding a possible move. Their discussions eventually led to a face-to-face meeting at Tonali’s home near Brescia. During these talks, Tonali said he gained clarity on De Zerbi’s coaching philosophy and long-term goals for the team. He noted that Brescia is a relatively small club, adding that he met De Zerbi several times during his brief tenure there. These interactions helped solidify his confidence in the manager’s approach. Tonali expressed hope that his arrival will contribute to Tottenham’s improvement following a challenging season. He acknowledged that De Zerbi’s vision for the club was a crucial factor in his decision to move to north London. The midfielder is now looking forward to playing under a manager who shares his passion for Brescia and understands the importance of rebuilding a club from the ground up. The transfer marks a significant shift in Tonali’s career, bringing him to one of England’s top clubs. His high-profile move has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, highlighting the growing influence of Italian players in the Premier League. As he prepares for his debut, Tonali’s focus remains on helping Tottenham achieve stability and success under De Zerbi’s leadership.