Newcastle midfielder Tonali speaks to Italian students about gambling

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been speaking to local Italian high school students as part of his gambling punishment.

Tonali is serving a playing ban for betting on games, with the punishment including speaking to young people about his issues.

Speaking to students at Salvemini high school, Tonali said: Hiding behind the barriers of a problem is never the solution. Instead, we need to talk about it. Acquire help. My true wealth lies not in multi-million dollar contracts, but in being surrounded by people who love me and who continue to prove it to me every day.

"I was recently in a factory. I was able to think of those who work ten hours a day, just to bring in a salary. I understood many valuable things. One above all: if a worker lost his job, his entire family would pay the consequences. Well, that's also why I consider myself lucky. I made a mistake, but I didn't lose anything."

He also told the young players at the Nick Bari and Levante Azzurro football schools: Maybe there is someone among you who bets and doesn't say it, because we often lock ourselves away. However, when you are gambling and have a high salary, facing gambling is an imminent risk.

"I hid and made a mistake. You don't stop, others stop you. And you can also jeopardize your friendships, relationships, and work. These are some of the biggest risks. In those years when everything seemed perfect, what I missed most was not being able to spend the time I would have liked with my old friends. Those on the field, at school, those with whom he also played football like me and was able to touch the sky with his finger, he is linked by the most beautiful memories. Because all good things happen."