The ban was very, very difficult but I never felt alone

TOON SUPPORT MEANT THE WORLD TO TONALI

- Simon Bird

SANDRO TONALI has laid bare his torment at being banned from football for 10 months just weeks after joining Newcastle for £54million.The Italy international, 24, last played on October 25 as a second-half substitute against Borussia Dortmund in Champions League group game.

Head coach Eddie Howe says Tonali will return "fitter than when he was banned", thanks to speed and fitness work, and almost fluent in English.

But the months after his suspension were tough. The former AC Milan midfielder spoke little English, had moved from his home town and was banned from playing breaking betting rules.

Despite that huge footballing blow, in the midst of an injury crisis and European football, Howe decided to focus on the "human" and rally his staff and players. Toon fans also continued to sing his name.