Newcastle United’s Joelinton is currently recovering from a knee injury he suffered in April. He’s been a starter for the Magpies when available for selection and has regularly impressed for them.
The Brazil international’s situation improved a lot after Eddie Howe took charge of the club in November 2021.
ESPN in Brazil had a chat with the Newcastle player, and he explained an unusual reason for his initial struggles at St James’ Park.
The Premier League club reportedly paid £40m to buy him from TSG Hoffenheim in 2019. In his final season at the German club, he operated as a striker, managing 11 goals and nine assists.
Steve Bruce was in charge when the 28-year-old arrived at Newcastle and he was handed the famous No.9 shirt, previously worn by Magpies legend Alan Shearer.
Joelinton struggled as a striker, scoring six goals and registering four assists in the league in his first two seasons.
He relinquished the No.9 shirt and took the No.7 shirt at the start of the 2021/22 season. Howe moved him to the midfield and has been operating in the same position over the past few seasons.
The South American now told ESPN that the weight of the No.9 shirt and not the price tag impacted him.
“I don’t think the value [of the signing] interfered [with his performance]. I think the weight of carrying the No. 9 shirt, which is very heavy at this club, did… There’s the tradition of Alan Shearer,” he said.
“As for the price, we see astronomical prices in football. So, it’s not my fault that it cost that much. It was the clubs [who negotiated the price]. So, in terms of value, it never got in my way.
‘Yes, it did, being the number 9… Having to solve problems, score goals. And things didn’t work out the way we wanted at first. But I don’t regret it. It was an important step in my career. I’m very proud to be able to wear the shirt of this club.”
