Champions League ambition: Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali (L) (HENRY NICHOLLS)
Sandro Tonali is aiming to get again into the Champions League after reviving Newcastle’s bid for a spot amongst European membership soccer’s elite.
The 24-year-old Italy midfielder struck an outstanding winner from a decent angle to seal a 2-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park on Wednesday to depart the Magpies only a level behind fourth-placed Manchester Metropolis with a recreation in hand.
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Even a fifth-place end may safe Champions League qualification.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55 million ($72 million) in July 2023 forward of their final look amongst Europe’s high golf equipment.
“I’m blissful for the staff and blissful for this win,” stated Tonali.
“It’s three factors that may assist us come again to the Champions League. It is a large win for us. We have to win each recreation at St James’ Park.
“Now we play solely (to be amongst) the primary 5 groups, for the Champions League. It’s a little bit powerful, however we’re fortunate as a result of there are 5 groups within the Champions League this season.
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“The staff is a bit of bit free, so it’s significantly better for me and for the followers. Now we now have 9 finals to get again into the Champions League.”
Tonali returned from a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules throughout his time in Milan and has progressively established himself as a key determine within the staff that received the League Cup final month to finish Newcastle’s 56-year wait fort a significant trophy.
“It was a tough season,” he stated. “However now I’m blissful to come back again free, come again blissful. I’m a brand new participant. I simply need to assist this staff and these gamers.
“The gamers for me are wonderful and the followers are too. All people in Newcastle is blissful. We are going to push one hundred pc for this metropolis.”
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Newcastle supervisor Eddie How has been delighted with Tonali’s emergence as a ball-playing, holding, midfielder.
“Technically, he is an impressive participant,” Howe stated.
“Sandro, the fantastic thing about him, he does not are inclined to attempt to do tough issues. Now the purpose he scored (in opposition to Brentford) is extremely tough, however simply in his common play, he makes good choices, he does not over-complicate the sport.
“Off each toes, he is a really, very intelligent participant, a really clever participant.”
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