Tonali opens up on gambling issues and shares factory anecdote: 'I made a mistake'

Sandro Tonali has opened up about the battle with addiction that he faced while at AC Milan and after joining Newcastle United, which he has nearly served his ban for. 

The news broke last year of Tonali’s breaches with regards to betting protocol and it was confirmed last September that his lawyers had accepted a ten-month ban on playing for their client after a plea bargain.

He would also undergo eight months of treatment his gambling addiction after he placed bets on Milan and other games. Milan were not aware of Tonali’s gambling addiction and were not expecting any contact from Newcastle over the case.

A few weeks ago it emerged that Tonali was being charged by the FA for further breaches between August 12, 2023 and October 12, 2023, however this has become a suspended punishment. Now, he seems to be on a path of education and helping others.

Tonali participated in a meeting at the Salvemini school in Bari, organised by the FIGC for recovery from gambling addiction, and his comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.

“Maybe among you there are some who bet and doesn’t say it, because we often close ourselves off. However, when you play and have a high salary, dealing with gambling is a risk around the corner. I hid and I made a mistake,” he said.

“I was recently in a factory, I was able to reflect on those who work ten hours a day just to bring home a salary. I understood many precious things.

“One above all: if a worker lost his job, his entire family would pay the consequences. Well, this is also why I consider myself lucky. I made a mistake, but I didn’t lose anything.”