Shocking Return: Tonali Eligible to Play for Magpies After 10-Month Betting Ban
After serving a 10-month suspension for breaching betting rules, he is now eligible to play for the Magpies. He will be part of the squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup match against Nottingham Forest (kick-off at 8pm), where Eddie Howe will decide whether to start him or bring him on as a substitute.
“I feel like a new player, almost like a new signing,” said the Italian, who has only made 12 appearances since joining from AC Milan for £55 million last summer. “I’m excited to be here in Newcastle with such a top team and amazing fans. I can’t wait to get back on the field.
“I want to be on the pitch for every game, mainly for the fans and then for myself because the fans here are incredible. There’s no other place like this, and I’m thrilled to be playing again at St James’ Park.”
Tonali’s last game for Newcastle was as a substitute in their 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on October 25. Despite the suspension, he has continued training with the team.
“I’m happy and feeling good because I’ve had the support of the team and the fans during these 10 months,” said Tonali. “I’ve never felt alone during this period, which means so much to me. The first three months were tough, but now it feels like a new beginning.
“This is a new chapter in my life, not just for me but for my family and friends who have been with me every step of the way. My family is the most important part of my life, followed by my friends and then my team.”
“Ten months is a long time, especially for a footballer who lives for matchdays, so it was challenging,” Tonali added. “But I kept working hard, training every day, even more than when I was playing. I was fortunate to have the staff here at Newcastle by my side, always supporting me, and that made a huge difference.”