Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw reunited with Sandro Tonali by making his summer move to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe wanted to bring a new central defender over the summer and decided to go back in for one of Newcastle United’s 2024 targets.
Newcastle wanted Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, but couldn’t strike a deal for the German defender.
Howe’s patience paid off as Thiaw joined Newcastle in August, finally securing his signature in a £35million deal.
Thiaw has been exceptional since joining Newcastle and really looks to be benefiting from a fresh start.
Malick Thiaw shares AC Milan exit conversation
Germany have recalled Thiaw after two years out of international football, summing up his return to form.
Thiaw has now opened up on his Milan exit while speaking with Pianeta Milan in Italy.
The defender admitted speaking to Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri about his future, and was told he would play more this season.
However, Thiaw felt that it was simply time for a new experience and still decided to leave the San Siro.
Thiaw decided to accept Newcastle’s offer, and while he found it difficult to leave Milan, the time had come for a change.
“Yes, I had three good years with Milan,” said Thiaw.
“In the end, I didn’t play much. Allegri told me I would play, but I wanted to find something new.
“Milan is a great club, it was difficult, but I thought it was the right time to try something new. So I heard from Newcastle and finally said yes,” he added.
| Malick Thiaw and Sandro Tonali record together | |
| Games | 34 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Draws | 7 |
| Defeats | 10 |
Malick Thiaw on Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle United verdict
Thiaw’s move meant that he reunited with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
The pair played together at AC Milan and have now joined forces again at St James’ Park.
Thiaw explained that Tonali spoke highly of Newcastle once the deal was done.
Newcastle may not be quite like Milan, but Thiaw is enjoying his time in the North East and hailed Magpies fans as ‘incredible’.
“No, I didn’t speak to him when I was in Milan,” said Thiaw.
“When I arrived in England, he explained to me that Newcastle is a great city, the team is great, not like Milan, but… it’s nice, the fans are incredible,” he added.
Thiaw and Tonali have played 34 times together in their careers, and there should be many more games to come as the pair nail down key roles for Newcastle.
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