TONALI IS BACK IN TOON

Sandro relishing return to the day job following ban

- SIMON BIRD

SANDRO TONALI has laid bare his torment at being banned from football for 10 months just weeks after joining Newcastle for £54m.

The 24-year-old last played on October 25 as a second-half substitute against Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League game.

Coach Eddie Howe says Tonali will return "fitter than when he was banned" after doing speed and fitness work, as well as almost fluent in English.

But the months after his suspension - for breaching betting rules while playing in Serie A were tough.

Tonali spoke little English, had moved from his home town and was banned from playing.

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.

Tonali said last night: "It was very, very, very difficult in October, November, December, the first three months.

"Now I feel it is a new time. It is another point in my life. I have a great team.