Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is ready to make his return to football after serving a 10-month ban for illegal betting. Tonali, who plays for Newcastle United, has been out of action since October but is now eager to get back on the pitch.
Talking to fellow gambling addicts was a crucial part of Tonali’s rehabilitation process. He said that sharing his story with others who were going through similar struggles helped him to overcome his own addiction. “Talking helps a lot,” Tonali explained. “In the first three months, I met a lot of people with ordinary jobs, especially in Newcastle, who had this problem and had never spoken before now. They did so when my problem was made public. After this, they decided to get help and stop bottling things up, and this made me very happy.”
Tonali also expressed his gratitude to Newcastle United, his teammates, and the club’s fans for their support during his ban. He said that he felt like a new player and was excited to get back on the pitch. “I am excited because I think I am a new player, a new transfer. I only played eight (Premier League) games last season, that was so difficult for me. I am excited to be here in Newcastle, not in another place because I have a top team, top fans and I can’t wait to come back on the pitch,” Tonali said.
Tonali also heaped praise on Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, saying that he was his first friend at the club. He also thanked his teammates, particularly Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, who stayed with him on the night before a game when he was feeling down. “Eddie has been my first friend at Newcastle. I have spoken with him every day for 10 months. Also, the first game I could not play, against Wolves, I was in Wolverhampton with the team. Bruno and Joelinton helped me all through the night before the game. They stayed with me. They are top people. I want to thank my manager, my team and the fans,” Tonali said.
Tonali is set to make his return to action on Wednesday when Newcastle United takes on Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The Italian midfielder is eager to get back on the pitch and prove himself once again. With his ban now behind him, Tonali is ready to put the past behind him and focus on his football career.
