Newcastle United star left in tears while his teammates played against Chelsea

Joelinton has revealed there were tears of joy after receiving his first call-up for the Brazil national team.

After injury ruled him out of Newcastle United’s final day Premier League clash against Chelsea, the 26-year-old returned to his homeland to visit friends and family.

Ramon Menezes announced his 23-man squad live on TV - shortly before the Magpies kicked off at Stamford Bridge. Joelinton, though, almost missed the big reveal.

“I wanted to go to the beach and my wife told me to wait,” he said. “I thought ‘if I get the news, I’ll be there. If I don’t receive it, I’ll be sad, but at least I’ll enjoy the beach’.

“When he said my name, I just cried. It’s a feeling of pride, of seeing that his effort is being seen.

“There’s a movie in my head, of everything I’ve ever lived. Every effort, dedication and every fight was worth it. And that. Proud of everything I’ve been through, what I’ve grown and learned.

“Leaving Alianca, being able to arrive in Europe and now in the Brazilian national team... It’s a moment you dream of, but you don’t know you’ll come true.”

Prior to Eddie Howe’s arrival as head coach in November 2021, Joelinton had been written off by many after enduring an incredibly difficult opening two years.

Initially signed as a striker, Joelinton has gone from being a £40million flop to one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders, while also showing his worth as a left forward this campaign.

The Brazilian, who last represented his country in 2012 at under-17s levels, will be joined by Bruno Guimaraes for friendlies against Guinea and Senegal.

"Bruno came over in the dressing room to say Joe had been called up,” Howe told NewcastleWorld on Sunday. “Amazing news for someone who, for 18 months, has been incredible for me and the team.

“I felt he was a little bit unlucky not to go to the World Cup because his performances have been that strong for us. He’s had to be patient and he’s handled that disappointment really well. He was just normal Joe who went about his work in an incredible way.

“I’m so pleased for him and his family, it’ll be a proud moment.”

Brazil squad in full

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Alex Telles (Sevilla), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Ibanez (Roma), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Nino (Fluminese)

Midfielders: Andre (Fluminense), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle United)

Forwards: Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Malcolm (Zenit), Peter (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Rony (Palmeiras), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras).

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