Newcastle United favourite Joelinton marked his Brazil debut with a goal on Saturday as his country ran out 4-1 winners over Guinea in Spain. The Magpies midfielder opened the scoring in the first-half as he made no mistake to poke home from a few yards out.
Joelinton fell to his knees at the corner flag of the RCDE Stadium, the home of Espanyol in Barcelona. The Newcastle man could not have enjoyed a better start to life as a fully-fledged international star.
The man of the moment was interviewed at half-time on the touchline and admitted he has been imagining such a moment since he was a child. "I was dreaming in the bedroom, imagining this moment. First game of the national team, it is a great pride," he said.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE - Maddison speaks out as Diaby links re-emerge
"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 enjoyed an impressive performance before being replaced by Newcastle co-star Bruno Guimaraes midway through the second period. There was a big hug between the two St James' Park favourites before Joelinton received plaudits from his team-mates on the bench.
“Congratulations brother! You deserve it, very happy for you," Guimaraes wrote on social media after the game. The pair will stay with the international setup to take on Senegal next week.
Joelinton enjoyed arguably his best season in a black and white shirt last term, cementing his place as one of the first names on Eddie Howe's teamsheet. The versatile star can now play in a range of positions and is adored by the fanbase who once couldn't see a future for him on Tyneside.
