Sandro Tonali has opened up on his suspension ahead of his Newcastle United return and has revealed what he has been doing during his time away from football.
Tonali, who was signed from AC Milan in the summer of 2023, was banned by the Italian Football Federation for breaking rules while playing in Serie A.
He was hit with a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, with the sanction being applied globally after being endorsed by FIFA.
The 24-year-old has now served his punishment and is in the Newcastle squad for their Carabao Cup tie at Nottingham Forest.
Ahead of potentially making his return, he sat down with the club's media team and spoke at length about his situation, detailing what he has been doing in the last 10 months.
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The star midfielder underwent a 'therapeutic plan' and a 'educational programme' in Italy and had '16 meetings' as he helped fellow gamblers tackle their issues.
"It was very, very, very difficult in October, November, December, the first three months. Now I feel it is a new time. It is another point in my life. I have a great team," he explained.
"I went back to Italy 16 times, 16 meetings with the federation, with kids, and it was so important for me. This problem is a problem... for football players. (But) players are lucky. I don’t have problems normal people have."
Tonali, who joined Newcastle for £55 million, added: "People have helped me, my psychologist and the young players in Italy. I spoke with many people in Italy for the therapy. I want to help people in more difficulty than me. I am so lucky. I can play now, and my life is the same, I play a game, and I come back to my life. For normal people this can change lives for all the time.
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"I am happy because this is the first time in 10 months I can play. I am feeling good, because I know the team and fans were here with me. I have never been alone in these months."
Eddie Howe has included Tonali in his squad for tonight's cup clash as he hailed the player's mentality.
"He’s a very strong guy, he’s handled this situation so well. He’s shown real strength, dignity, integrity. Because he’s been isolated at times it hasn’t always been easy for him. He’s had some low moments and some lonely moments where the team has been playing," he said.
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"I think we’ll get a different player back, a stronger player mentally, someone who will enjoy his football and probably appreciate every moment because it has been taken away from him for a long period of time.
"Sandro’s not outwardly expressive. He’ll be calm, cool and collected tomorrow but I’m sure that, inside, he can’t wait to wear that shirt again. Playing again will be a tremendous release for him."
Topics: Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United, Football
Nasir Jabbar