‘I’m happy’ - Newcastle United’s £13m outcast brutally honest on shock exit after Eddie Howe snub
Newcastle United signed Jamal Lewis for £13million in 2019 - a move that has proven a flop
Jamal Lewis has admitted he was “excited” to make his eye-catching move to Sao Paulo over the summer.
Heads were turned once the 26-year-old decided to leave Newcastle United on loan last month. Toon chiefs were actively looking to offload Lewis but another spell in the lower divisions seemed probable.
The left-back spent 2023-24 at Watford and several pre-season appearances for the Magpies put him in the shop window. Signed in 2019 for £13million, Lewis has played just 36 times for Newcastle - with only eight of those appearances under Eddie Howe.
A fresh start in South America to see off the final year of his contract was a left-field choice but one the Northern Ireland international is relishing. He said: “For me, Brazil as a country is very well known for its culture, its people and the love of football. Since I was a child, I have loved Brazilian football, the beach, watching Ronaldinho and other players at the World Cup.
“I am very proud to come to play in Brazil. I want to immerse myself in the culture myself. Many athletes come to Brazil, which shows that I want to enjoy Brazilian football. I am a sportsman (who has arrived) from Newcastle.
“I know Joelinton, Brazilians don’t need to talk about Brazil. They think Brazil is an amazing place, they are always happy. All the Brazilians I met in London, these people represent Brazil very well. I was very excited to come.
“I have played my whole career in England but I have always said that I want to play in another country’s league, learn another culture, another type of game. A career is short, it is a great opportunity to be somewhere else, win games, lift trophies, be part of a team that will win a lot.”
Lewis made his debut from the bench in Sao Paulo’s 1-0 win over Cruzeiro at the weekend. Travelling aside, the Toon outcast cannot wait to leave his mark in South America.
“I am happy to contribute to the team’s victory (on my debut),” Lewis added. “Everyone played well, the defence played well, we took advantage of the opportunity to compete for the three points. I was happy to come and see the fans. For me it will be very good. I enjoyed the debut, I look forward to the next one.
“In the weeks and months everyone will see me play, I want to help the team with my skills so we can win more games. When I arrived I spoke a little with people, they explained to me that there is a state championship, (then) there will be a pre-season.
“For me it will be great, I will play. The (only) problem (maybe) is travelling, it is a big country, continental to a certain extent. But we get paid. If travelling to play is a sacrifice to do what we love, for me, the more I play, the less I train.”