midfielder Sandro Tonali recently spoke to Sky Sports about his journey through gambling addiction and the personal transformation he has undergone since serving his suspension for betting-related offenses. The former AC Milan player, who has just returned to action, shared insights into his newfound perspective on life and football.
Tonali began by reflecting on his past behavior: “Before the mistake, I had two lives because I was very closed off and never talked to people, even on the training ground, even with the staff. Now it’s totally different. Every day is different, especially with the staff and my teammates, because it’s normal to talk every day, it’s normal to have a relationship. When I come to the training ground now, I’m the same person; with the sporting director, with the staff, with my teammates.”
The Italian international emphasized the stark contrast between his past and present self: “Before these 10 months, before the last year, I don’t know, but it’s a bit different because I was another person. I was two different people in my life and in football. And now I’m just one person, just one. When I talk to the manager, I’m Sandro. When I play, I’m Sandro. When I go back to Italy, I’m Sandro. I understood this in the last year and in these 10 months.”
Reflecting on his time away from the game, Tonali expressed: “I missed football, I missed the stadium, all the emotions on the pitch. But now I’m back, and I’m back, I believe, very well. I’ve spoken with the team and with the sporting director. The general manager was happy. I understood my mistake.”
Tonali also highlighted the support he received from his teammates during his suspension: “Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton supported me every day during the ban. With Trippier and Captain Jamaal, these four, for me, were perhaps the players who supported me the most. But all the players and the whole team… it was a surprise for me because I was a new player. I had only been here for two months. But every person in the city, from those who work in Newcastle to all the people who live here, support me and help me.”