Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali has confessed being an AC Milan fan growing up.

The 20-year-old revealed the time when he nearly signed for the Rossoneri.

He said, “Lombardia Uno [his first team] were affiliated with Milan. Every two or three months, five or six kids were summoned to Vismara, where Milan's young players train.

“I can't say that they rejected me: they didn't really take me into consideration. Maybe I was too little."

Tonali also explained why Gennaro Gattuso was his role model.

“I was struck by his determination and generosity. Had he divided the determination he had by 10, there would be enough left to fill up all his teammates.

“He wasn't afraid of anyone."