Sandro Tonali speaks about life at Newcastle United and what blew him away about the Toon Army
The roar of 52,000 Geordies at St James’ Park has become the soundtrack to Sandro Tonali’s redemption story. After enduring the darkest period of his career – a 10-month gambling ban that threatened to derail his £55 million move from AC Milan – the Italian midfielder has emerged as one of Newcastle United’s most passionate advocates.
Tonali’s journey from pariah to pivotal figure reads like a footballing fairytale. Just twelve appearances into his Newcastle career, the 24-year-old found himself exiled from the game, forced to confront a gambling addiction while watching his teammates from the sidelines.
Yet rather than turning their backs, the Toon Army embraced their stricken star with unwavering support that left an indelible mark.
“When I had the ban, I was still inside St James’ Park, and everything from the fans felt the same,” Tonali revealed in an emotional interview with beIN Sports.
“Any player who had a 10-month ban…if you have those fans, it makes it easier and it felt quicker.” His words capture the unique bond between player and supporters that has defined Newcastle’s rise under Eddie Howe.
The statistics tell only part of Tonali’s impact since returning:
Tonali’s Newcastle Resurgence
- Key Passes Per Game: 1.4 (3rd in squad)
- Tackle Success Rate: 68%
- Average Distance Covered: 11.2km per match
- Goal Contributions: 4 in last 8 appearances
Yet numbers fail to convey the psychological transformation. Where Italian media speculated about his unhappiness, Tonali has become one of Newcastle’s most vocal leaders – his passion for the club evident when discussing their Champions League push: “Every game now will be like a final. I’m happy to be part of history.”
The midfielder’s gratitude extends beyond the pitch. Having completed rehabilitation for his gambling addiction, Tonali now recognizes Newcastle as the perfect environment for his second chance.
“In Newcastle, everything is different for the people because it is passionate,” he explained, contrasting the relentless support at St James’ Park with more fickle fanbases elsewhere.
His commitment shines through when discussing the club’s Carabao Cup triumph – a victory that ended 70 years of hurt. While modestly claiming “you aren’t a legend maybe,” Tonali clearly understands the significance of contributing to Newcastle’s new era.
This humility, combined with his technical quality, has made him a fan favorite despite his limited appearances.
As Newcastle battle for European qualification, Tonali’s renaissance symbolizes their broader resurgence. The player who arrived as a marquee signing but became a cautionary tale is now emblematic of the club’s resilience.
Where others might have crumbled under the weight of his ban and addiction struggles, Tonali has thrived – his performances improving with each passing week.
The summer transfer rumor mill will inevitably churn, with Italian clubs likely to test Newcastle’s resolve. But Tonali’s words and actions suggest a man who has found his footballing home.
In an era of mercenary players, his genuine connection with the club and city offers a refreshing reminder of football’s enduring power to transform lives – both on and off the pitch.
For Newcastle fans who stood by him during his darkest days, Tonali’s emergence as a key figure in their European push represents the ultimate payoff. As the Italian himself put it: “The stadium is always still full. It is amazing.” The feeling, it seems, is entirely mutual.