‘A dream’ - Newcastle United star relives stunning international debut

Newcastle United star Joelinton has described his ‘great pride’ after marking his senior debut for Brazil with a goal.

The former Magpies record signing has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after he initially struggled to adapt to life on Tyneside and in the Premier League after completing a £40m move to St James Park in the summer of 2019. The arrival of manager Eddie Howe and an unexpected switch in midfield has ensured the 26-year-old has become an integral figure for United and his form was one of the key reasons behind their successful bid for a top four place last season.

There was some disappointment during the campaign for Joelinton as he missed out on a place in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup Finals in Qatar - but he belatedly made his senior bow for the Selecao when they faced Guinea in a friendly on Saturday night.

Featuring alongside the likes of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, Joelinton opened the scoring when he tapped home from close range just before the half-hour mark at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona and put his side on their way to a 4-1 win.

Speaking to a reporter on the touchline at half-time, the Magpies star relived a ‘dream’ moment in his career before he was replaced by United team-mate Bruno Guimaraes midway through the second-half.

He said: “I was dreaming in the bedroom, imagining this moment. First game of the national team, it is a great pride. I was remembering the time as a child, from the sieve in Sport and all the way here. There was a movie in my head. At the time of the goal it was a dream. I’m very happy.”

Joelinton and Magpies team-mate Bruno will hope to round off a remarkable season by adding to their haul of international appearances when Brazil face Senegal at Sporting CP’s José Alvalade Stadium on Tuesday night.