Brescia president and owner Massimo Cellino has revealed he dreams of being able to keep a hold of top prospect Sandro Tonali amid continued speculation regarding his future.
The 19-year-old central midfielder, who has been likened to legendary Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo for some time, has had no shortage of interest shown in his services with several Italian clubs, including both Inter and Juventus, as well as many clubs from abroad all reportedly having a keen interest in signing him.
“In January, a very important team came to me and told me they wanted Tonali. I didn’t come up with any numbers, but only one question: Would you let him play in the Champions League immediately?,” he began an interview with Turin based newspaper Tuttosport, which appeared in today’s print edition.
“They replied they would leave him at Brescia until the end of the season. So, I told them: Thanks, but I’ll keep him and we can talk about it in July.”
He then went on to reveal that another team came in for the teen sensation the following month.
“In February, I received another very important request and I didn’t tell Tonali anything, with the intent of giving him a nice surprise in June. The name of the team, I can’t say, but unfortunately the Coronavirus has changed everything.”
Cellino then went on to share his desire of keeping him around but revealed he will not stand in the youngster’s ay if he asks to leave the Rondinelle, where he has a contract until the end of next season, with an option for a further year.
“My dream would be to keep him. I would be willing to do somersaults but I have a deal with Sandro, who is a great lad. He knows that when he asks me to leave, I will let him go. I will not make it a matter of money. The important thing is that he chooses with his heart and he is the only one who decides.”
Next Cellino discussed some of the clubs to have been linked with Tonali, who has contributed one goal and five assists in 24 appearances across all competitions to date this term.
“AC Milan? Who runs AC Milan? Once upon a time there was Berlusconi and Galliani, the masters I was inspired by. Anyway I’m not sure that Tonali supported Milan but for sure I know he loved Gattuso.
“Roma or Napoli ? As I’m a romantic I would like to see him at Roma or Napoli but it will hardly happen. Juventus? They have grown a lot with Agnelli and Paratici. There is a foreign owner at Inter and I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him but they have Marotta, a top executive for whom I have great respect.
“We will see what happens but it will depend on Tonali and what he will choose but I hope he stays in Italy and that he plays.”
