‘He let them down’ - Sandro Tonali told to justify £55m price tag at Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali made his St James’ Park return following a 10-month lay-off in Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock believes Sandro Tonali “owes” Newcastle United this season.
A well-documented saga saw the Italian banned for 10 months after breaching betting regulations. Just months earlier, the Magpies forked out the bulk of their summer transfer budget on the midfielder.
Tonali’s absence triggered the start of a frustrating season on Tyneside, with injuries crippling Eddie Howe’s squad. Midfield was the worst-hit position, with Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock and Joelinton spending most of the campaign sidelined.
The former AC Milan ace returned against Nottingham Forest last week - receiving a rapturous reception from the Toon faithful - and made his St James’ Park comeback in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Wor Flags greeted Tonali with a special banner to mark his long-awaited homecoming.
Supporters are now drooling at the thought of Tonali partnering Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in the Newcastle engine room. But speaking to Sky Sports, ex-Premier League left-back Warnock dampened the excitement - insisting Tonali must “repay” the Magpies after “letting them down” last season.
“He will be raring to go but there will be rustiness as well,” he said. “Training doesn’t replicate that (a game) whatsoever but he’s got a lot to repay to Newcastle. He owes them a lot - he let them down massively with what’s happened.
“They spent big money on him last summer and he’s got to provide this year. They’ve stuck by him and, listen, it’s not a nice situation that has gone on, but he has to repay them now.”