What Sandro Tonali did in tunnel after Newcastle United wondergoal as 'truth' emerges

Sandro Tonali insists he does not want the plaudits after scoring the wonder goal that sunk Brentford.

The Italy international refused to take centre stage after suggesting his strike was "70%" cross and "30%" shot. But the £55million star feels that the current Magpies side are more than capable of playing in the Champions League.

Speaking about his goal first in the tunnel after the game, Tonali told Chronicle Live: "It was definitely a good shot - but it was 70% cross! I am going to be honest with you.

"It was perfect, the speed. I was a little bit lucky because the keeper was not in the goal. I think we need to think for the team and the club, not the player now. Not for me.

"But I am happy for the team and happy for this win. It is three points that can help us come back to the Champions League. This is a massive win for us. We need to win every game at St James' Park."

Tonali was speaking to reporters in the mixed zone for the first time since returning from a 10-month suspension. The star has done one on one interviews with broadcast units but faced a journalist huddle for the first time and Chronicle Live was there.

The ex-AC Milan ace insisted that his dark days of suspension are behind him and he feels reborn.

Tonali, who won the star man award, said: "It was a difficult season. But now I am happy to come back free, come back happy. I am a new player. I just want to help this team and these players.

"The players for me are amazing and the fans are too. Everybody in Newcastle are happy, we will push 100% for this city."

Newcastle moved into a Champions League place and will now aim to complete the job in the last nine games.

Tonali said: "Now we play only for the first five teams, for the Champions League. It is a little bit tough but we are lucky because there are five teams in the Champions League this season. The team is a little bit free so it is much better for me and for the fans. Now we have nine finals to get back into the Champions League.

"I think I am happy for the trophy for these fans because these fans deserve it. Every game we have 52,000 people in the stadium and this is amazing for football. I am so happy to play every game in this stadium and with these fans it is amazing."

After the game his manager played down suggestions that it was a cross after Thomas Frank said it was a "one in a million" goal.

Eddie Howe said: "I have seen him do that. I would not put it past him scoring a goal like that. We can't let anything tarnish that."