Sandro Tonali informed AC Milan he did NOT want to leave after they accepted an offer from Newcastle United this week.
Newcastle have agreed a fee of 80m plus 5m in bonuses for the Italy midfielder.
La Repubblica says when informed the offer had been accepted, Tonali broke down in tears and insisted he did not want to leave. The midfielder had hopes of being a ten-year player for the Rossonero.
Tonali also wanted to emulate the success of club legend Paolo Maldini, who originally signed him from Brescia.
However, an offer of 8m-a-year from Newcastle - quadrupling the player's wages - was able to soften the blow and convince the midfielder about a move to the Northeast of England.
The transfer is now on track to be wrapped up over the weekend.