Sandro Tonali discusses his journey overcoming compulsive gambling habit
Yesterday, on August 27th, the ten-month suspension of Sandro Tonali, 24, ended, a consequence of his engagement in sports betting. Prior to his debut in his team's first game following his ban tonight, Tonali discussed his recuperation process.
Conversation Aided Tonali's Recovery
In preparation for his comeback to Newcastle United, Sandro Tonali spoke about his efforts to recover during his suspension. This Italian midfielder was penalized with a ten-month ban and a substantial fine for partaking in unlawful gambling in October 2023.
Post-trial, Tonali admitted to having a gambling problem. Part of his punishment included attending therapy. Last August 27th, Tonali's suspension ended, and he shared his recovery journey for the first time.
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Tonali engaged with other gambling addicts in Newcastle, which aided him in overcoming the immense barrier that had previously hindered him from speaking about his addiction:
The fundamental first step is being able to discuss this massive issue that you've been carrying within you and that you've never had the courage to discuss. You have this massive blockage. Discussing is the most significant step towards resolving the problem.– Sandro Tonali, Midfielder, Newcastle United Daily Mail**
Tonali maintains that it's highly advantageous for gambling addicts to discuss their problem. During his therapy, he encountered individuals who mustered the courage to seek help following Tonali's addiction revelation. This brings Tonali great joy.
Tonali Feels Like a New Arrival
Tonali is expected to participate in his team's first game after his suspension tonight for Newcastle United. They're set to face Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup tonight. With Tonali now eligible to play, he may feature in this game.
Pre-match, he expressed gratitude towards his coach, teammates, and the club's fans [Italian video]:
Translation: They offered me the same love they would have given me if I had been there for ten years, and I had only arrived a few months prior.
Tonali is thrilled about representing his club again. He feels like a fresh player who has just signed. The passionate support encourages him to step onto the pitch for Newcastle United once more.
Tonali Speaks with Young Footballers in Italy
During his ten-month suspension, Sandro Tonali is said to have frequently visited his homeland, Italy. In Bari, Tonali spoke with young footballers about his gambling addiction and offered his help. He conveyed his remorse for his addiction.
He urged the youngsters never to conceal their problems, as that is not a solution. For Tonali, discussing problems and seeking help is beneficial.
Wealth no longer equates to signing million-dollar contracts for Tonali. Instead, it's the feeling of being surrounded by people who care and support him.
Newcastle United employed a psychologist shortly after Tonali was suspended last October [English link]. This is Dr. Ian Mitchell, who worked closely with Tonali during his recovery. Tonali recognized the reasons behind his gambling addiction and the factors that contributed to it. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, 46, believes Tonali is making every effort to better himself and address his issues.
He added extra training sessions and is more fit and hungry than ever. Tonali's English language skills have also improved significantly, enabling him to communicate easily with his teammates. Due to his suspension, Tonali missed the start of the 2024/2025 Premier League season. The Magpies won their first game and drew last Sunday. It remains to be seen how Tonali's return will influence the team's performance.
In light of his experiences, Tonali has expressed interest in advocating for online gambling regulations in Germany, believing that stricter regulations could help prevent others from falling into the same trap. His personal struggle with gambling addiction led him to recognize the potential risks associated with online casinos in Germany.
Furthermore, Tonali has been exploring opportunities to collaborate with German youth football organizations, aiming to share his story and reinforce the importance of open communication about mental health issues.
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