Zlatan Ibrahimovic reveals major role he played in Tonali’s journey to Premier League as he nears Newcastle transfer

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has backed AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali to shine at Newcastle – after teaching the incoming Toon midfielder “the right mentality”.

The Italian, 23, is set to complete a move to Tyneside for an initial £55million later this week.

Tonali is currently with Italy U21s in Romania, with Newcastle medical staff jetting out last week to complete the deal.

Manchester United cult hero Ibrahimovic played alongside Tonali at the San Siro for the last three years, winning the Serie A title in 2021-22 and reaching the Champions League semis last season.

And the Swede, 41, said: “Is he ready for the Premier League? Yes, I think so.

“Sure, it depends on him. I made him understand the right mentality he must have in order to win, and he won.

“He grew up a lot with Milan, he has a great responsibility and still has to grow, but in England he will do it, and he will do it well.”

Tonali started his career at Brescia before moving to AC Milan in 2020.

He scored seven league goals across three seasons and has 14 senior Italy caps, winning his first in 2019. 

And Leeds United’s Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto revealed how Tonali has been asking him about the Prem on international duty.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Gnonto told ChronicleLive: “I have spoken to Sandro in the last couple of days about Newcastle and the Premier League.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing him in the Premier League and having another Italian player here.

“What he has done in the last couple of seasons at AC Milan is just incredible.

“For his young age, his ability to understand the game both technically and tactically is impressive. He can still improve a lot to be an important player for his club and the national team.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football