Transformed Newcastle United star expresses ‘great happiness’ at turnaround in fortunes

Joelinton has expressed his ‘great happiness’ at his turnaround in fortunes at Newcastle United.

The former Hoffenheim forward endured a challenging introduction into life on Tyneside after completing a club record £40million move in the summer of 2019.

A first Magpies goal came in a narrow win at Tottenham Hotspur in only his third appearance - but it was a rare highlight as he struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

With Covid-19 and a struggle to find form continuing to hamper his second season at St James Park, many expected the Brazilian to be allowed to depart the club.

But he remained on Tyneside and the arrival of manager Eddie Howe and an unexpected switch into midfielder sparked Joelinton into life.

The 26-year-old has become an integral figure in Howe’s squad and has fully adapted to both his new role and life on Tyneside.

Reflecting on his transformation, the Magpies star told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte: “It’s great happiness, after two very difficult years, in which I didn’t have the support of the fans like I have today.

“I know it’s fans, football is passion, it’s emotion, and when your attacker who came to score the goals isn’t scoring, the charge will come, the crowd will pick on you.

“It’s normal, but we feel sad for not helping on the pitch, scoring the goals we want to score.

“Today I’m happy for this support from the fans, the affection they show me every game, on a daily basis, on the street, on social networks. It’s very satisfying.”

Joelinton’s time at Newcastle has coincided with the much-anticipated takeover at the club.

With new investment being provided by the PIF-led consortium that brought an end to Mike Ashley’s much-maligned ownership last October, there has been a return of hope and ambition within St James Park.

Joelinton shares in the excitement that has been on display - but also called for patience as the Magpies look to progress on and off the pitch over the coming months and years.

“We know that even with money, with new owners, it’s not something overnight, that is not going to happen in a season,” he explained.

“We know that there are many teams that are ahead of us. We have been doing a good job, the club is giving full support, the fans too.

“Of course we have this desire to win a title, but we know it’s not that fast. We’ve been evolving, we hope to do well in the cups, fight for a spot in international competition. We’re capable.

“And I hope that in two, three years we can win titles for our fans, because they deserve it.”