The Return of Tonali, the Wasted "Bandiera".

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Kembalinya Tonali, Sang ”Bandiera” Terbuang

Prominent Italian midfielder, Sandro Tonali, visited Milanello, AC Milan's training headquarters, last week. He visited his former "home" for the first time since being released by Milan last summer.

Tonali arrived at Milanello as part of the preparation with the Italian national football team. Coincidentally, the place is also used as a training camp for the national team. The return of the midfielder was welcomed by the Milan supporters and staff. He also had a casual chat with Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

The 23-year-old player seemed destined not to be far from Milan. Newcastle, his new club, has qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in two decades this season. Somehow fate works, as the draw has brought Newcastle to face Milan in the group stage. (Note: "Milan" should not be translated as it is a proper name.)

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The two teams will meet in the opening match of the group stage at San Siro Stadium, Milan, on Tuesday (19/9/2023) evening WIB. Tonali is returning, but this time as Milan's public enemy. He was previously concerned about not being able to appear due to a thigh injury during the international break. However, Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe confirmed that the injury was not serious.

Tonali appeared on the bench as Newcastle faced Brentford in the English League last Saturday. Howe intentionally rested the midfielder. "We don't want to take any risks (by playing him), unless he's really needed to play. We want to make sure he can play in the next game (versus Milan)," said Howe.

Apart from the spice of the past, the reunion of Tonali and Milan invites a dilemma for both parties. He never wanted to leave his dream club. He always dreamed of becoming a bandiera or club icon, like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, until he retired.

In the last year before his move, according toLa Gazzetta dello Sport, Tonali said he would not leave on four different occasions. He was even willing to cut his salary to stay at Milan. "I want to be with this team forever and be a bandiera," he said in December 2022.

I can't believe it's been 20 years already, and I never thought it would be Newcastle's last away game. Now, we're back at San Siro.

However, Milan cannot refuse the offer of 70 million euros (IDR 1.14 trillion) from Newcastle. Tonali's loyalty and commitment are compromised amidst the temptation of fresh and large funds. As a result, the player who has already made 131 appearances for Milan will come to San Siro with a combination of love and hate. His motivation could either double or be drained.

On the other hand, the Milan squad is feeling anxious after being defeated by city rivals Inter Milan 1-5 last weekend. They are beginning to realize that money cannot buy everything. Despite acquiring fresh funds to purchase many players from the sale of Tonali, the results have not yet been seen. Milan is clearly missing a midfield general.

Tonali, the holder of the record for the most expensive transfer for an Italian player, has been dubbed a combination of legendary Milan midfielders Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo since his arrival in 2020. In the past two seasons, he has helped Milan win the Italian League and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. The "Rossoneri" are back in their former glory, which had not been felt for a long time.

At San Siro, Newcastle also has a past story. The place was the location of Newcastle's last away match in the Champions League, namely the 2002-2003 season, before being absent for the last two decades. At that time, led by legendary striker Alan Shearer, Newcastle held Inter Milan to a 2-2 draw.

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”I can't believe it was 20 years ago, nor did I think it would be Newcastle's last away game. Now, we return to San Siro. "The results, at that time, were not good, but the euphoria was huge," said Shearer, who scored two goals at that time, to The Athletic.

Newcastle, led by Tonali, will begin a new era in the Champions League. The journey of Howe's team will not be easy as they are already eyeing the "group of death". In addition to Milan, they will also be competing for two spots in the round of 16 with Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

However, according to Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, the national team players are not worried at all about the competition. "We witnessed the group drawing together. We know the journey will be difficult, but I only see the happiness (of the players) to be there. We have been waiting for an exciting match. So, just enjoy," he said.

Tonali and Newcastle are also on the same sheet. They both came to start a new story and forget the past. This similarity in goals could add insult to injury for Milan. Imagine if Milan lost. Already immersed in crisis, they were also slapped with the reality of losing their future bandiera.

Legendary Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero once said while accompanying Juventus during their difficult times that a true man will not abandon his woman behind. Tonali has given everything, but he was dumped by the "woman". He cannot do much in the harsh and money-driven industry.

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History often repeats itself. In the last decade, Pirlo was also discarded from Milan to Juventus. Instead of sinking, he actually experienced a comeback. Pirlo and Tonali both hail from the Brescia club. They live with the same ambition and dreams in Milan. Now it's Tonali's turn to possibly slap back at that cruel reality. (AP/REUTERS)