'I was lost' - Sandro Tonali admits to 'difficult' start at Newcastle after £60m transfer from AC Milan as he prepares for Champions League return to San Siro

Sandro Tonali thanked manager Eddie Howe and his Newcastle teammates who helped him settle in his new club since joining them in the summer.

WHAT HAPPENED? Despite scoring on his debut for the Magpies, Tonali admitted he had difficulties in settling into the new environment but acknowledged the way he was helped by his teammates and manager Howe. He also spoke about how he had to adjust to the English conditions after playing in Italy for AC Milan.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking to reporters ahead of facing his former club, Tonali said, «This summer has been hard and I’ve had a difficult start. In the beginning, it was not easy to find my place in Newcastle but people have supported me and still helping me now. Since the first match, I felt at ease. I was happier thanks to the help of Mr Howe and the whole staff.

»They really helped me out in my personal and professional life. My teammates have been amazing, especially with the language! That was very difficult for me."

He added, «On the pitch, everything changes when you switch from the Italian championship to the Premier League. In the beginning, I was kind of lost and I received so much help from everybody in every aspect, language, sport and tactics.»

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Newcastle returned to the Champions League after a gap of 20 years after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season. They have been clubbed in a difficult group alongside AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT? Tonali will be in action for Howe's side against his former club AC Milan on Tuesday.