Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has opened up about his experience of being banned for more than 10 months.

Tonali joined from AC Milan last summer in a deal worth £55million but was banned for breaching betting rules while playing in Serie A. The

24-year-old made just 12 appearances before the ban ended and is available for selection in the Carabao Cup tie at Nottingham Forest.

Tonali has revealed he underwent a gambling rehab and education programme in Italy and travelled back and forth 16 times. “October, November, December, the first three months, ufabet http://ufabet999.app it was very difficult. “

Now I feel this is a new moment, another chance in my life. I have a great team. “

I went back to Italy 16 times, went to 16 meetings with the association, with the boys. It was very important for me. The problem is that this is a problem… for footballers. But the boys are lucky, I don’t have the problems that normal people have. “

People tried to help me, psychologists, young players in Italy. I talk to many people in Italy for therapy. I want to help people who are in more difficult situations than me. “

I am very lucky. Now I can play. My life is back. I have games. I am back in my life. For a normal person, this can change my life at any moment. “

I am happy because it is the first time in 10 months that I can play. I feel good because I know that the team and the fans are here with me. I have never been alone during these months.”