Sandro Tonali has described Tottenham Hotspur’s supporters as one of the club’s biggest strengths after completing his move from Newcastle United, with the midfielder relishing the prospect of playing regularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tonali joins Spurs as the club’s record signing after three seasons at Newcastle, where he made 110 appearances and helped the club win the 2025 EFL Cup. The Italy international will also reunite with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, whom he has known since his time in Brescia.

Speaking to JioHotstar ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle United, Tonali opened up about settling into his new surroundings, his relationship with De Zerbi and the atmosphere he expects from the Spurs faithful.

Tonali reunites with De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur

The midfielder admitted that changing clubs inevitably means starting again, but believes his familiarity with De Zerbi and members of the Tottenham coaching staff should make the transition smoother.

“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,” Tonali said.

His relationship with De Zerbi goes back much further than football. Both men are from Brescia, with Tonali having spent a decade in the city before moving into professional football.

“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.”

That existing connection was also influential when Tonali was deciding whether to make the move to north London.

‘That conversation was special’

Tonali revealed that his first conversation with De Zerbi about joining Tottenham felt less like a conventional transfer discussion and more like a conversation between people who already knew each other.

“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,” he said.

The pair discussed Tottenham’s ambitions, the stadium, the supporters, the squad and the style of football De Zerbi wants to implement.

“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.”

Tonali also offered a succinct description of what he believes he brings to the team.

“If I had to describe myself in one sentence, I would say I work hard for my teammates.”

Tonali expects Spurs fans to make a difference

Having already played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium several times as a Newcastle player, Tonali knows what awaits him when he takes the field in home colours.

The midfielder, who operates primarily as a No. 6, believes the atmosphere generated by Tottenham’s supporters can have a tangible impact on matches.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

For Tonali, the supporters can become an extra source of momentum, particularly during difficult moments in a match.

“The fans can change the game in two minutes. If the fans are with you, it makes things much easier.”

He added: “I think the fans are one of the best things about this stadium.”

‘We want to win every single game’

The former Newcastle midfielder also acknowledged the expectations that come with playing for Tottenham and insisted the team must match the energy of the supporters.

“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.”

With Tottenham facing Newcastle in his first meeting against his former club, Tonali is already looking forward to the challenge of delivering in front of his new supporters.

“We want to win every single game, especially at home. And we know we can.”

Tottenham Hotspur face Newcastle United in the 2026-27 Premier League season, with the match scheduled to be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.