Pep Guardiola has revealed what he said to Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali following Manchester City’s win over the Magpies on Wednesday.
Tonali has been in the headlines this week amid reports of interest from Arsenal on transfer deadline day. The reports emerged from a third-party leak, though both Arsenal and the player’s agent have denied an approach.
Guardiola sought out the midfielder at the full-time whistle, following City’s 3-1 win over Newcastle in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Manchester City and Manchester United have also been linked with Tonali, who is thought to be valued at around £100m.
However, Guardiola has revealed how he knows the player’s father and that he has always been informed of Tonali’s happiness at St James’ Park.
“What did I say (to Sandro Tonali?) My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him,” Guardiola said.
“And we have an incredible friend in common from Brescia, Edoardo Piovani.
“And every time we are connected, I know his father some time ago, and all the time we met, we talked about his experience in Milan, the supporters, and how happy he is in Newcastle. He’s a really, really top player, top, top, top player!”
