Newcastle
Newcastle star is “embarrassed” to seek counseling from “gambling”
Sandro Tonali, a midfielder for Newcastle United, reportedly agreed to see a therapist in order to “overcome” his gambling “problem,” according to media in Italy.
Tonali was acquired by Newcastle from AC Milan during the summer transfer window for a rumored £60 million.
When Milan needed a new defensive midfielder, Eddie Howe leveraged the club’s Champions League influence to sign one of the greatest players in Europe.
A betting scandal involving the Italian international, Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa, and Nicolo Fagioli of Juventus may cast a cloud over the player’s first Premier League season.
Both players were sent home from the Italian camp after being detained by authorities while serving on international duty and questioned.
The Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office has been looking into players Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, who are currently working out with the national team at the Coverciano Federal Training Center, according to a statement from the Italian Football Federation.
“Despite the nature of the incidents, taking into account that the two players are not in the required condition to face the matches scheduled for the following few days, the federation has decided, also for their protection, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”
According to a recent article from the Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Tonali is ’embarrassed’ to admit that he needs to see a therapist for his gambling addiction.
Perhaps in a way to avoid a ban, the 23-year-old will also attend meetings to ‘explain to young people how not to behave’.
The report states:
‘That’s why when his attorneys informed him of the need to resort to a therapist to overcome the problem of gambling, Sandro accepted with embarrassment. He knows that he has to resolve an inner discomfort and will face, as he has been advised by those close to him, a path of recovery.
‘He is aware that he has violated the rules of the game in some way, more out of levity than maliciously.
‘”A mistake of youth” was the dictate of his entourage, which goads and protects him at the same time.
‘Now a sign of maturity is needed to show that he has absorbed the lesson: this is why Tonali seems ready to make himself available to the Federation for a series of meetings with young people to explain how not to behave.
‘Newcastle, who have invested €150million in the player, have sent a private flight to pick up the midfielder who returns to England today.
‘Eddie Howe, the coach, is waiting for him: yesterday he had already inquired about the psychological state of the former Milan man and is ready to give him a hand to regain serenity.’
