Sandro Tonali makes special announcement as fairytale Newcastle United turnaround continues

Sandro Tonali has officially announced his engagement to his longtime partner, Juliette Pastore, sharing the news with fans on social media.

The Italian couple, who first crossed paths in 2019 while Tonali was playing for Serie B club Brescia, has remained together throughout his rise to prominence. Pastore, a fashion designer, gained attention from Newcastle United supporters following Tonali’s high-profile move to the club in July 2023.

Her reaction to Newcastle’s training facilities sparked conversation among fans, as she appeared surprised by the setup, a response that seemed ironic given the long-standing criticism of the club’s infrastructure.

However, comparisons to AC Milan’s relatively modest complex quickly put her reaction into perspective. Now, Pastore is set to become Mrs. Tonali, with the couple confirming their engagement through an Instagram post featuring a picture of her new ring. Accompanying the image, Tonali simply captioned it “YES,” marking a significant moment in their relationship.

Among his Newcastle teammates, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett were the first to publicly congratulate him on the announcement. The engagement adds another uplifting chapter to Tonali’s eventful journey since joining the Magpies, a move that initially took an unexpected turn when he was handed a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations while still an AC Milan player.

That suspension, which came just 12 games into his Newcastle career, was a massive setback, not only for him personally but also for the club, as they had invested heavily in him as a key part of their midfield.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future at that point, Tonali has managed to turn things around, and his return in August has been crucial to Newcastle’s ambitions this season.

Eddie Howe has utilized him in a deep-lying midfield role, a tactical adjustment that has brought stability to the team and allowed him to showcase his playmaking abilities. His presence has been instrumental as Newcastle continues to push for silverware and Champions League qualification.

Tonali is now focused on achieving something historic for the club by ending their long wait for domestic silverware. With a Wembley final on the horizon, he has set his sights on delivering a trophy to the Newcastle supporters, who have stood by him during his difficult period.

Speaking to La Repubblica earlier this week, he emphasized his determination to bring success to the club, acknowledging that his move to Newcastle has been about more than just financial gain.

His experience in England has pushed him to grow, both as a player and as a person, as he adjusts to a new league, culture, and language. The challenges of adapting to the Premier League and overcoming personal adversity have only fueled his motivation to make a lasting impact at the club.

As he prepares for what could be a defining moment in Newcastle’s modern history, Tonali remains focused on repaying the faith of the fans and contributing to a bright future for the Magpies.