Sandro Tonali sends simple four word message after emotional Newcastle United return

Sandro Tonali cut an emotional figure after his return to the Newcastle United starting line-up after missing the last ten months, serving his ban for betting.

The Italian midfielder was serenaded by the travelling Toon Army throughout the game at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. The 24-year-old showed his class in a tough outing for Eddie Howe's side and managed an hour before being substituted, with the Magpies scraping through to the third round of the Carabao Cup on penalties.

Posting on his Instagram account, Tonali shared a simple and yet emotional four word message: "Back where I belong."

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The Magpies midfielder has spoken at length about the support he received from Newcastle, Howe and his coaching staff, teammates and fans during his ten month absence.

It's been a tough mental battle for the Italian international, who will be hoping to make his return to Premier League action this weekend.

Anthony Gordon was among those to have welcomed Tonali back into the fold, writing on his own Instagram: "Welcome back brother [red heart emoji] @sandrotonali".

Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Joe White and Callum Wilson were also among those to wish him well after his return.

“I thought he did well,” Howe said of Tonali at full-time. “He was involved in some lovely little passages of play.

“I thought he did well fitness wise considering the lack of match action he’s had. I think he can be really pleased with the reception he got from the Newcastle supporters at the end. You could see the amount of Italian flags in the crowd, that embrace with the supporters.

“A lot of emotion coming out from Sandro’s side and, of course, from the supporters’ side back. That connection is so important for any player, and he will be hugely boosted by that. But a great day for him, a great return and a positive result.”