Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte today published their latest edition of the Gringoândia podcast, where they interview footballers who’ve been playing abroad. This time, they managed to have a chat with Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton.
With a long conversation, that was enough time to detail his three years with the Magpies, recalling the time when he was a striker who’d been struggling to score goals for the club.
Joelinton pointed out that he wasn’t always loved by Newcastle fans, and had difficulties to improve his game and change the situation, but once he managed to do it, he’s been getting great affection at the club.
“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,” Joelinton told Globo Esporte.
“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.”
The 26-year-old talked about how glad he is that things worked out for him in Europe, revealing that back during his hard times at Rapid Vienna, he even considered a move back to Brazil.
“We can never hope for everything we dream of. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. But I always prepared to be here today, and I continue to prepare. I’m very happy to be here playing in the best league in the world. Being in Europe for eight years is not easy, we see many players who come and go.
“I think I’ve been resilient about it. I spent two years in Austria, I thought about going back, but I kept working, and everything I’m living I deserved and worked for it. I hope to continue here for many years to come.”
The Magpies’ takeover was also a subject in the interview. Joelinton told everyone to be patient, claiming the club’s transition won’t be fast, although they already have new short-term objectives in mind for the upcoming seasons.
“We know that even with money, with new owners, it’s not something overnight, that is not going to happen in a season. 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.”
