“To be honest, I also held talks with another club,” Tonali disclosed, though he ultimately found it straightforward to choose Spurs.
“Your initial feeling matters greatly when speaking to a club, and mine was extremely encouraging.
“If a brief 10-minute conversation leaves you feeling happy, that tells you everything is right.
“The first person I consulted was my wife. We were ready for a complete change in our lives, rather than simply moving to another city. We had discussions with two clubs.”
Tonali explained that living in London accounted for roughly 10% of the appeal because his family’s happiness mattered to him. Football, De Zerbi and Tottenham’s recruitment team represented the remaining 90% behind his choice.
He also addressed the size of the transfer fee, its significance for both him and Newcastle, and how the valuation effectively prevented his family from returning to Italy.
“We had planned to return to Italy, but the financial demands made that impossible,” he acknowledged, noting that clubs could cover his salary but not the required transfer fee.
“England became the practical option, and we found the ideal outcome here for my career, my style of play, my happiness and my family. I talked to two clubs, but within 10 or 15 minutes I knew Tottenham would be my next destination.”
At Spurs, he will work alongside several Italian members of the coaching team and reunite with Italy teammate Destiny Udogie. However, he made clear that dissatisfaction with life at Newcastle played no part in his departure.
Without being asked, he praised his former coach, saying: “Eddie [Howe] treated me brilliantly.” He added that he hopes to remain friends with Howe, who is also departing the Magpies, as well as Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson.
Tonali added that he wanted Newcastle to receive the strongest possible agreement because the club “deserves everything”. He also spoke warmly about the environment at St James’ Park and the devotion of its supporters.
While the subject was not discussed explicitly, Tonali completed a 10-month suspension after violating Football Association betting regulations during his spell at Newcastle.
Tonali accepts that his £100m valuation will create considerable expectations, but says he intends to conduct himself like any other Tottenham player and continue living an ordinary life away from the pitch.
“I’m not sure how people view footballers such as me, but I genuinely consider myself an ordinary person. Whenever I return to Italy, I spend time with my family, grandmother and friends. If my family is content, then I am content too,” he said.
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