Following Newcastle United’s Champions League clash against AC Milan last night, Magpies’ midfielder Joelinton had an interview with the Brazilian media.
With the English side staying out of the competition’s knock-out stage, the player told TNT Sports it ‘hurts a lot’ to think they only depended on them to get that place in the round of 16.
Joelinton took something positive from Newcastle’s Champions League campaign, though, and that’s the support that they’ve been getting in all games.
The Brazilian claimed that Magpies’ fans have been sticking together with the team through the whole competition, regardless of the bad results they’ve been having, and made it clear there’s a very good chemistry between the players and supporters.
“They’ve been so supportive in every game, home and away. It was very sad not to be able to give them this qualification. But as you saw, they were on our side. That’s it. I think the affection they have for us remains. I think they saw that we tried, that we fought the whole competition. That every game we go out on the pitch, we go out to do our best. And they recognise that. And for us there’s this motivation, this desire to go again in the next game and try to give them the win.”
Standing behind Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain and Milan, Newcastle ended up not even getting a place in the Europa League this season.
Now back with their focus on the Premier League, the Magpies now prepare for the home clash against Fulham on Saturday. Howe’s side are currently 7th and need a good run to get back into the top four.
