Sandro Tonali hits back at claims he doesn't want to be at Newcastle, fans are loving his response

Sandro Tonali has responded to claims he doesn't want to be at Newcastle with an Instagram video that Magpies fans are loving.

Tonali, 23, became the second-most expensive signing in Newcastle's history after joining them in a £55m move from AC Milan last week.

The Italy international penned a five-year deal with the Premier League club in a major transfer coup for Eddie Howe.

Some have questioned why Tonali has swapped Milan for Newcastle, given the fact both clubs will compete in the Champions League this season.

A clip of Tonali landing in the UK in blustery conditions to complete his transfer raised further questions over whether the midfielder would be able to acclimatise to the north east.

And while he said all the right things in his first Newcastle interview, fans overheard a comment Tonali made during his tour of the club's gym which fuelled speculation he would have preferred to remain at Milan.

As you can watch in the footage below, a member of Tonali's team asks: "Was the gym this big in Milano?"

According to Italian publication SempreMilan, Tonali responded: "No it [Milanello] is bigger."

Tonali, or a member of his team, appear to have noticed some fans questioning his desire to play for Newcastle – and have issued the perfect response.

A video posted to the midfielder's Instagram, which you can watch below, documents his first few days at the club.

Crucially, the soundtrack to the clip is Getting Started by Sam Fender, a high-profile supporter of Newcastle.

Fender responded to the Tonali's video with the praying-hands emoji.

The choice of music appears to have won over Newcastle supporters, who may have been worried about Tonali's commitment to the club.

"Legend in the making," replied one Newcastle fan on Instagram.

Another sarcastically added: "'He doesn't want to be here' ye sound."

While a third posted: "Welcome to the toon, give everything here and you'll become a legend in the city."

Tonali has reportedly jetted back on holiday for the final week of his summer break before joining up with the full Newcastle squad.

Howe's side face local side Gateshead in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday before travelling to face Rangers at Ibrox on Tuesday.

Topics: Football, Newcastle United, Premier League, Sandro Tonali, Fan Reactions

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan