AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has firmly stated that he had no prior knowledge of Sandro Tonali’s involvement in sports betting last season.
The defensive midfielder was transferred to Newcastle United from Milan for a significant fee during the summer window.
However, it was later disclosed that Tonali had been placing bets on football games, including those in which he was directly involved. In October, he received a ten-month ban, leading to some accusations that AC Milan may have been aware of his issues.
Pioli told reporters, “No I didn’t know anything about Sandro’s problem.
“He was polite, respected, gave respect to others and was a sensible boy. Even if I think I have a close, open relationship with a player, I don’t only talk about football. But what they do outside, I don’t know everything about them.”
“Well, at the moment they signed him, it was a good deal; they signed a great deal and what happened after was something no one could have expected.
“Tonali, I am very close to him. When he was with us, he was a positive lad, always showing good will and application. He has fallen within something delicate. We are close to him and I hope this experience can be useful for him.
“Can he bounce back? Absolutely yes, with regards to his tactical and physical ability.”