Sandro Tonali speaks out on gambling addiction and time out

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been speaking to young footballers and students in Bari about his gambling addiction and helping to raise awareness about the issue.

Tonali was given a 10 month suspension earlier in the season for placing bets on football matches in which he was involved and he will not return to the first team until August, missing the first couple of games of the new season.

As part of his suspension, the former AC Milan captain also agreed that he would help to raise awareness of the issue and has been doing so recently over in his native country.

Tonali shared how he had visited a factory where employees were working 10 hour days which helped him to appreciate how fortunate he was to have football in his life and to be able to recover from his ‘errors’.

Speaking on his addiction and recovery, Tonalid said: “To hide behind barriers is the problem. It’s never the solution. You have to talk and get help.

"My real wealth is not the millionaire contracts but being surrounded by people who love me and continue to show it daily. I have recently visited a factory and I could reflect on how many people work 10 hours a day to take a salary home.

“I understood precious things. One above all. If a worker loses his job, the whole family pays the consequences. This is why I think I am lucky. I made errors but I have lost nothing. Football is more tiring in England but there is less pressure. Whether you win or lose, you can still live your life.

“In Italy, often you can’t leave home when a game doesn’t go well. We must all grow together for the good of our football and society.”

Both Newcastle and the 24-year-old will now be hoping to put all of this behind them and look forward to what could be a very exciting season. Good on Tonali for fronting up to his issues, seeking help and speaking out on his battles.