Il Corriere della Sera has claimed that Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali was left in tears and sought help from a therapist to treat gambling addiction after he was placed under investigation for illegal betting.
He returned to his home in Milan, having dropped out of the Azzurri squad amidst allegations that he is involved in a growing betting scandal surrounding Italian football.
Tonali and fellow Premier League representative Nicolo Zaniolo were questioned by Police at Coverciano on Thursday, having been named by gossip columnist Fabrizio Corona as being involved in the gambling allegations.
Il Corriere della Sera notes that Tonali, who withdrew from the Italy squad alongside Zaniolo, returned to his home in Milan on Friday, where he broke down in tears with his family after what was described as a sleepless night in the national team camp.
Saturday’s report suggests that Tonali knows he was wrong to give in to certain temptations and harmful hobbies, which now risk costing him dearly.
There are claims that Tonali’s agent has recommended speaking to a therapist to help overcome a potential gambling addiction, an offer that the 23-year-old has reportedly accepted.
Tonali will also reportedly make himself available to the FIGC to meet with youngsters to explain why his example, in terms of gambling, should not be followed.
It is expected that Tonali will fly back to England later on Saturday to return to Newcastle, where Eddie Howe and his team are supposedly ready to lend their full support.
Does this lad ever not cry over something?