Sandro Tonali needed just 10 minutes after speaking with Roberto de Zerbi before calling the Tottenham Hotspur manager back to confirm he was ready to move. The Italian midfielder, who became Tottenham's record signing at £100 million, has revealed how a shared love of Brescia — the boyhood club of both player and manager — made the decision almost inevitable.

A bond forged in Brescia

De Zerbi grew up supporting Brescia and later played for the club, while Tonali began his career there. That common thread became the foundation of their relationship long before any transfer talk began. When the two sat down and spoke about the club and its difficulties — Brescia recently fell into bankruptcy following relegation to Italy's third tier — Tonali felt an instant connection.

"We spoke about Brescia, about the difficult situation facing our club," Tonali said. Their bond, he explained, actually stretches back nine years to De Zerbi's time as manager of Sassuolo, when De Zerbi had tried — and failed — to sign him. Tonali described it as a "mini-connection" that grew into something far greater this summer.

How the move came together

De Zerbi moved first, texting a mutual friend during last season to ask whether Tonali might be open to a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The reply was simple: "He is open." With Premier League survival the immediate priority, De Zerbi waited until the day after Tottenham beat Everton to secure their top-flight status before reaching out directly. Within 10 minutes, his phone rang — it was Tonali.

A further meeting at Tonali's home, just outside Brescia, followed. "Brescia is so small. I had two weeks there and met him two or three times," Tonali said. By the end of those encounters, he said he knew "everything" about the man who would become his manager.

Spurs the clear choice despite stronger rivals

Tonali was candid about entertaining interest from other clubs: "Honestly, I spoke with another team also." Yet Tottenham — who had finished 17th the previous season — stood out from the moment he spoke with De Zerbi and the club's recruitment staff.

"When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive. When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it's everything — everything is perfect," he said.

He was equally clear about the weight of his wife's opinion. Moving to London accounted for roughly 10 percent of the attraction; the other 90 percent, he said, came down to football, De Zerbi, and Tottenham's recruitment staff. Returning to Italy was not an option — clubs could afford his wages but not his £100 million price tag.

"England was our solution and we found the best solution in England for me, for my career, for my football, for my happiness, for my family," he said. "I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team."

Praise for Newcastle and no ill will

Tonali was keen to leave no doubt about his feelings toward Newcastle United, where he served a 10-month ban for breaches of FA betting rules. Unprompted, he praised departing manager Eddie Howe — "Eddie was fantastic for me" — and expressed a desire to maintain friendships with both Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson. He also spoke warmly of the atmosphere at St James' Park and the passion of the club's supporters, adding that he wanted "the best deal" for Newcastle because they "deserve everything."

On the pressure that comes with a £100 million price tag, Tonali was measured. He insisted he would carry himself as a "normal" person and player — one who goes home to his grandmother and friends when he returns to Italy.