Sandro Tonali has admitted he could one day return to AC Milan.
Newcastle United made Tonali, 23, their most expensive signing of the summer after agreeing to a deal worth £55 million with the Serie A giants (Sky Sports).
Teaming up with Eddie Howe on Tyneside, the 23-year-old became an instant hit with the Toon Army after he netted a quick-fire goal against Aston Villa on the Premier League’s opening day.
However, despite being one of the club’s most valuable and important players, Tonali has refused to rule out a return to the San Siro.
In action on Tuesday night, Howe selected his new number eight for the Magpies’ first Champions League group game against AC Milan. What was a hugely emotional evening for Tonali, personally, turned out to be a disappointing start to life in Europe for Newcastle.
Playing out a goalless draw, the Magpies failed to gain an early advantage in what is an incredibly tough group also featuring Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.
And speaking to the media after the game, Tonali, who played 72 minutes before being subbed off for Elliot Anderson, opened up on what the future may have in store for him.
“Return to AC Milan one day? I don’t know,” the Italian told Mediaset, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“I’d pay to know my future. Maybe yes, maybe not. Football is strange. I’m not closing the door to AC Milan. I can’t and won’t hide my love, passion for Milan.”