Cellino: Tonali chose Milan but I wanted him to join Roma

Sandro Tonali is nearing a move to AC Milan but Brescia president Massimo Cellino says he wanted the player to join Roma instead.

Over the past few years, Tonali has made a name for himself as one of the hottest properties in Italian football.

The talented midfielder broke into the Brescia setup as a 17-year-old and has continued to get better over the years.

Now 20, Tonali is playing far beyond his age and it’s no surprise he attracted interest from a lot of sides.

Brescia warded off interest from the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Inter to keep the youngster at the club last summer.

But after their recent fate of relegation, Le Rondinelle had no choice but to let go off their prized asset.

Tonali has been a Milan fan since his childhood and is now close to joining the Rossoneri in a dream move.

Sandro Tonali to Milan is nearly done & even the contracts have already been signed. He'll have his medical starting next week and join Milan on a 5 year contract worth €2 million a season.

📰 Sky Sport pic.twitter.com/DNOZHJFfyj
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) September 3, 2020

Brescia president Cellino speaks on the imminent move and says he would have preferred the player joining Roma instead.

Speaking to Il Messaggero, Cellino said: “Tonali has supported Milan since he was a child.

“The negotiation with them made me doubly happy – I also respect a club that gives value to money.

“[Milan technical director, Paolo] Maldini has Milan DNA and has all the prerequisites for becoming a great manager.

“I would have seen Tonali more at Roma. It’s a beautiful team, a hot city. [Roma vice-president, Mauro] Baldissoni told me some time ago that he was their dream, but now I don’t know who is in charge of their transfers.

“I had an excellent relationship with [former president, Franco] Sensi and I know [former director of football, Walter] Sabatini very well.

“I feel very attached to Roma. For this reason, when I sold Cagliari, I had the dream of buying Roma and rehabilitating it, enhancing its potential through my work and my experience. It remained just a dream.”

The deal for Tonali is rumored to be an initial loan worth €10 million plus an option to buy set at €20m.