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Speaking on JioHotstar ahead of the match, Tonali reflected on the challenges of adapting to a new club. He said, “Every time you change clubs, you have to start over. You have to build new relationships with teammates, staff, and fans. I’m lucky because I already know the staff here, which makes things easier, especially at the start of the season. Roberto de Zerbi is an incredible manager. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s from Brescia, and I played there for 10 years. Sometimes, when we have a day off, we both go back to our city and meet. That’s something special.”

Tonali emphasized that his connection with De Zerbi played a significant role in his decision to join Tottenham. He added, “When I spoke with him for the first time, we talked like friends, but also like a player and manager already. That conversation was special. It made me feel like I had to sign for him. We discussed a lot about Newcastle, the Spurs stadium, the Spurs fans, the players, and our style of football. We are really looking forward to the season ahead. If I had to describe myself in one sentence, I would say I work hard for my teammates.”

The midfielder is also eager to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a home player after previously experiencing its atmosphere while representing Newcastle. He said, “I play as a number six, and I play a lot with the defense. I can’t wait to play at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium because I played here a few times against Tottenham with Newcastle. I found a great atmosphere. Every time I’ve been here, the stadium has been full. That’s not easy because the stadium is so big. The fans can change the game in two minutes.”

Tonali added, “If the fans are with you, it makes things much easier. I think the fans are one of the best things about this stadium. I know this stadium is one of the best in the world. The fans are crazy, and we need that because we have to give 100 per cent energy and concentration in every game. We want to win every single game, especially at home. And we know we can.”