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Sandro Tonali has announced his engagement to long-term partner Juliette Pastore on social media.

The Italian couple are understood to have met in 2019 when Tonali played for Serie B side Brescia. Pastore first came to Newcastle United fans’ attention following her fiance’s arrival in July 2023.

The fashion designer was left stunned by Newcastle’s training ground – a move that left fans bemused given the criticism towards the facilities in recent decades. Images soon surfaced of AC Milan’s surprisingly modest complex which justified Pastore’s reaction.

She is now set to become Mrs Tonali as the pair confirmed their engagement via Instagram. The Toon ace posted the caption “YES” alongside Pastore showing off her new ring.

At the time of writing, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett were the only Newcastle teammates who congratulated Tonali on his announcement. The news continues Tonali’s fairytale turnaround since joining the Magpies.

Just 12 games into his Toon career, the midfielder was slapped with a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations as an AC Milan player. That dealt a monumental blow to Newcastle’s season as his career hung in the balance.

However, the 24-year-old returned in August and has been key to Newcastle’s quest for silverware and Champions League qualification this season. Eddie Howe deployed Tonali as a deep-lying midfielder – a move that has paid dividends.

Tonali is now set on delivering a domestic trophy to Newcastle for the first time in 70 years at Wembley next month. He told La Repubblica earlier this week: “I want to win for the Newcastle fans; soon, we will have the first opportunity at Wembley.

“The transfer has been good, not just economically. I grew up and discovered a new country, a new football and a new language.”