An emotional homecoming for Tonali

SANDRO Tonali admits he is braced for an emotional home coming as he prepares to return to AC Milan after leaving to join Newcastle United three years ago.

- By ROSS GREGORY

The Italian international spent three seasons at the Rossoneri, playing 130 times and helping them win the Scudetto in 2022.

Tonali, who has long been linked with a move back to Serie A, insists he is happy with his life on Tyneside as he looks to help the Magpies into the latter stages of the Champions League and towards more silverware, having established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since moving to England.

However, as he returns to the Milanello training ground, where Italy are preparing for their final World Cup group qualifier against Norway tomorrow, he admits the place holds a special place in his heart.

"It is emotional, the last time was almost three years ago," Tonali told Sky Italia. "It is a place that is in my heart and every time I go back to Milan will be emotional for me.