- AC Milan’s manager, Stefano Pioli, recently expressed his lack of awareness regarding Sandro Tonali’s gambling issues. Tonali, who was transferred to Newcastle for £55 million, faced an investigation and a subsequent ten-month suspension for violating betting laws, revealing his struggles with gambling addiction. Pioli insisted that he had no knowledge of Tonali’s problems, emphasizing the player’s respectful and polite demeanor during his time at Milan.
Pioli, reflecting on his relationship with players, admitted to not exclusively discussing football, acknowledging the challenge of knowing about their personal lives. Regarding Newcastle’s substantial investment in Tonali, Pioli defended the deal, stating that the circumstances leading to the player’s suspension were unforeseeable at the time of the signing.
Expressing empathy for Tonali, Pioli described him as a cheerful and helpful individual during his tenure at Milan. Despite the challenges ahead, Pioli believed in Tonali’s ability to recover tactically and athletically. In response to Tonali’s suspension, Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, acknowledged the difficulty the player would face during his period of inactivity, emphasizing the importance of keeping his mind sharp and body in shape.
Pioli’s focus shifted to Milan’s goals amid adverse weather conditions at St James’ Park, emphasizing the team’s determination to win. The article also highlighted Howe’s commitment to supporting Tonali through the suspension, acknowledging the potential challenges of boredom and maintaining fitness during such a lengthy period of ineligibility.
The narrative underscored the unexpected turn of events surrounding Tonali’s suspension and the subsequent impact on both Milan and Newcastle. Pioli and Howe shared sentiments of support for the player, acknowledging the difficulties he would face during the extended period of absence from professional duties.
