Joining AC Milan, Sandro Tonali uses Gennaro Gattuso’s former jersey number

DBasia.news – Slowly but surely Stefano Pioli’s AC Milan will strengthen the squad this summer. After recruiting Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid on loan, Il Rossoneri also brought in Sandro Tonali.

The 20-year-old midfielder is not a permanent transfer made by AC Milan but on loan from Brescia. Milan has the option to sign him permanently.

“AC Milan is pleased to announce the signing of midfielder, Sandro Tonali from Brescia Calcio on loan with the option to make the deal permanent. The player will use the number 8 jersey,” wrote a statement on Milan’s official website.

Quoted from Sempre Milan, the club will pay 10 million euros for a season loan that continues over the next two years with a permanent option of 15 million euros, plus a variable 10 million. In total Milan has spent 35 million euros for Tonali.

Often compared to the Milan legend, Andrea Pirlo who is now coaching Juventus, Tonali actually compared himself to Gennaro Gattuso, another Milan legend who he also admired. No doubt he chose to use the number 8 jersey.

The number was once worn by Gattuso, who is currently managing Napoli and is also the birth date of Tonali (8 May 2000). Milan Technical Director, Paolo Maldini welcomed Tonali.

“We are pleased to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family. As a talented young midfielder, he will not only embrace AC Milan’s values but also make a significant contribution to the future success of the Club,” stated Maldini on Milan’s official website.

Milan won the fight for Tonali from city rivals, Inter Milan who withdrew from the competition because Antonio Conte wanted a more experienced midfielder. In addition, Tonali also became a player at the Milan academy.

During his three seasons with Brescia, Tonali appeared 89 times and scored seven goals. He also played at the young age of the Italian national team from U-19 to U-21 and collected three caps with the Italian national team.

“We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan. He is one of the most promising young talents in international football. Sandro has a love for the Club and an understanding of its values which will add to what we want to build together. Welcome. Sandro!” said Ivan Gazidis, CEO of Milan