Thiaw explains AC Milan exit, Newcastle advice and Tonali talk | OneFootball

Malick Thiaw reveals what really happened when he left AC Milan for Newcastle United, the conversations with Max Allegri, and what Sandro Tonali told him about his new club.

The German defender had been at San Siro since the summer of 2022 when he made the €12.8m move from Schalke 04 to Milan.

There were reports that when he was sold to Newcastle United for €35m plus add-ons in August, it was the Italian club that pushed him to accept rather than the centre-back seeking an exit.

When Pianeta Milan caught up with him in the mixed zone, he was asked about the situation.

Thiaw compares Newcastle to Milan

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Malick Thiaw of AC Milan looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I decided to go to Newcastle and I am happy with that,” Thiaw told Pianeta Milan.

“Milan are a big club, so it was difficult, but in my view it was the right moment to try something new. So I listened to the proposal from Newcastle and in the end I said yes.”

Considering Tonali had made the same switch from the Rossoneri to the Magpies, did he call the midfielder for advice before accepting the transfer?

“No, I didn’t speak to him when I was in Milan. When I arrived in England, he explained Newcastle is a big city, the team is big, ok not like Milan, but… it’s cute, and the fans are incredible.

“It’s hard to say which fans are more passionate, I mean the Milan fans are incredible.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Zepiqueno Redmond of Feyenoord is challenged by Malick Thiaw of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Although Thiaw was at Milan for three years, he was never a regular in the starting XI, making a total of 85 competitive appearances, starting 69 of those.

“Yes, I had three good years at Milan, but at the end I didn’t really play that much. Allegri told me that I would’ve had a chance this season, but I wanted to try something different.”

Milan have revamped the squad this season under new coach Allegri and are pushing for top spot in Serie A.

“I am not surprised, because Pavlovic, Gabbia and Tomori are good players with a lot of experience, and well suited to a coach like Allegri. I saw a few Milan games this season and they defend very well.”

Does Thiaw believe the Rossoneri can win the Scudetto under Allegri?

“I hope so, I really hope so. I spoke to Tomori about two yeas ago, and we hope to repeat it. Forza Milan!”