Tonali explains why he is shy and doesn’t use social media or a smartphone | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder and Italy international Sandro Tonali has spoken in-depth about himself as a person, explaining why he is an introverted character, and why he doesn’t use any social media or take his phone out with him in public.

The former Milan midfielder gave an interview to La Republicca, published on Wednesday, during which he spoke about the reality of his gambling ban last season, the impact it had on him and his return to ‘normal life’ since then.

Tonali was issued a 10-month suspension from footballing activity in October 2023 when it emerged he had been involved in illegal gambling activity, including on football (which is prohibited for any professional player) and on games that he was involved in.

The punishment ruled him out for the vast majority of his first season with Newcastle, and out of the EURO 2024 campaign with Italy in the summer. He returned to competitive action in August, and has since established himself as a firm favourite at St James’s Park.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Why Tonali is shy and stays away from social media

La Republicca asked Tonali if he has always been an introverted character, to which he replied: “Not with family and friends. With teammates and in sports, yes. Not out of mistrust, but out of habit.

“Ever since I was a kid I was always the youngest (in the dressing room). It’s hard growing up extraverted around older people. I kept myself isolated in the first years at Brescia, I didn’t share my thoughts with anyone.”

Tonali also went on to explain that he prefers not to use a phone or social media where possible, which he thinks has given him an extra sense of ‘freedom’.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United on the ball during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC at St James’ Park on December 14, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“Within the last year, I haven’t had it for six months. Of course, I feel a sense of freedom, the feeling of being okay without one.

“Previously, I couldn’t go from one room to another without it. Today I leave it when I go out of the house and pick it back up when I get in. I only call back if my mum, dad or someone else from my family calls me. And with social media, the relationship is minimal.”