Club-record signing Sandro Tonali says it took him just "10 minutes" to decide to join Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle United after speaking with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italy international completed a £100 million move to Spurs this summer, revealing that his connection with De Zerbi and their shared roots in Brescia played a decisive role in the biggest transfer in the club's history.
Both men have strong ties to the Italian city. De Zerbi grew up supporting Brescia and later played for the club, while Tonali came through its academy before beginning his professional career there.
"We spoke about Brescia and the difficult situation facing our club," Tonali said, referring to the bankruptcy of his boyhood side following their relegation to Serie C.
De Zerbi is understood to have contacted a mutual friend during last season to ask whether Tonali would be interested in joining Tottenham and was told the midfielder was open to the idea.
After Spurs secured Premier League survival with victory over Everton, De Zerbi reached out directly to Tonali. Within 10 minutes, the midfielder had returned the call.
The pair later met at Tonali's home near Brescia as discussions over the move intensified.
"Brescia is such a small place. I spent two weeks there and met him two or three times," Tonali said.
The midfielder added that his relationship with De Zerbi dates back almost a decade, when the coach attempted to sign him during his time at Sassuolo.
"That created a small connection between us. After meeting him this summer, I felt I knew everything about him."
Despite reported interest from other clubs with stronger recent records than Tottenham, Tonali said choosing Spurs became an easy decision.
"Honestly, I spoke with another club as well, but the first impression is so important, and mine was very positive," he said.
"When you finish a 10-minute conversation feeling happy, it tells you everything. It felt right."
Tonali said he discussed the move with his wife before making his final decision.
"We wanted a change in our lives, not just a different city but a completely new chapter. We spoke with two clubs, but Tottenham was the best solution."
While London appealed to his family, Tonali insisted football was the main reason behind the move.
"The city accounted for maybe 10% of my decision because I wanted my family to be happy. The other 90% was the football, the manager and the people at the club."
The 26-year-old also admitted that returning to Italy was never a realistic option because of the size of his transfer fee.
"We had planned to return to Italy one day, but it was impossible because of the money," he said.
"English clubs were the only realistic option, and Tottenham was the best choice for my career, my football, my happiness and my family. After 10 or 15 minutes, I knew Tottenham would be my next club."
Tonali stressed that his decision was not driven by dissatisfaction during his time at Newcastle.
"Eddie Howe was fantastic for me," he said, adding that he hopes to remain friends with his former manager and Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson.
He also praised the Magpies' supporters and atmosphere at St James' Park, saying the club "deserves everything" and that he wanted Newcastle to receive the best possible deal from his transfer.
Tonali acknowledged that his £100 million price tag will inevitably bring added expectations but insisted it will not change who he is.
"I know there will be a lot of pressure, but I'm a normal person," he said.
"When I go back to Italy, I spend time with my family, my grandmother and my friends. If my family is happy, then I'm happy."
