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.
Denne historien er fra August 28, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 28, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
RIGHT TIME FOR DYCHE TO LEAVE
...and for Moyes to make an emotional Goodison return
Same old story in limp opening to new era
IF David Moyes tuned in to see the team he could potentially be taking charge of, then this will have been an eye-opening watch. The expected replacement for Sean Dyche in the Goodison Park hotseat will have an FA Cup fourth round clash to contend with next month. But this was hardly a performance to get Moyes'
Social media hype is red flag for Van Dijk
VIRGIL VAN DIJK admits he is concerned about Liverpool players being distracted by the hype surrounding their drive for silverware.
Rooney was no film stunt for Pilgrims
PLYMOUTH chairman Simon Hallett has hit back at suggestions Wayne Rooney was hired as a publicity stunt after confirming a planned documentary would no longer be taking place.
RUBEN TO MAKE BEE LINE FOR MBEUMO
MANCHESTER UNITED are plotting a raid on Brentford for Cameroon star Bryan Mbeumo. United head coach Ruben Amorim is a huge admirer of the 25-year-old forward, and believes he would fit into his long-term plans at Old Trafford.
Ashford cuts down Blades
CIAN ASHFORD helped Cardiff turn the form book upside down by dumping Sheffield United out of the FA Cup.
DEJA
Moyes in talks over a return to Everton after Dyche sacked just before cup tie
Murray will not rein in Djokovic's ranting
COACH IN FIRING LINE
Far from Fab but Hurzeler will not panic
BRIGHTON BOSS STILL TRUSTS PROCESS DESPITE POOR FORM
Full speed ahead as Hornets humbled
FULHAM were far too good for Watford as Marco Silva sent his old club crashing to a fourth consecutive defeat.
