Joelinton has reflected on scoring in front of watching Brazil manager Tite at St James’ Park. The uncapped Brazilian fired home in the second half to put Newcastle in a commanding lead against Aston Villa.
Joelinton is not ruling out getting a place in World Cup squad in Qatar but insists his main priority is Newcastle United.
“It meant a lot," Joelinton said. “But it was my first goal of the season. I’ve had to wait for this goal.
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“I’ve been trying my best and I’m very happy to score against Villa. All the fans have supported me and the team and it came in front of my family as well. They were very happy, it was good for me.”
And for Joelinton, who now has 15 Toon goals to his name, the goal was a personal landmark he’d been trying for since 2019.
Joelinton said: “It was my first goal in front of the Gallowgate End with supporters in the supporters here. I scored once but it was during Covid and nobody was here so I am happy.
“But the main thing is to help the team, that’s the most important.”
And when asked about United being in fourth place the Brazilian ace said: “No, it’s just very positive for us at the start. We always dream big.
“Maybe we didn’t expect to be fourth but the performances we’ve put in during games we just had to keep going. We just have to keep thinking game by game and doing our best game by game.”
Newcastle face Southampton next weekend but Joelinton will be banned after picking up a yellow card. Nevertheless he is delighted with the team’s form.
Joelinton said: “We played really well. The first half was a bit difficult but the second half we did really well and it was one of the best performances we’ve given.
“I am very happy to help the team with one goal and very happy with the three points. It was a great performance at home.”
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