Newcastle United star Joelinton received his first call-up for the Brazilian national team at the weekend.
Even though he’s been doing well in the Premier League for a while now, he was ignored in the 2022 World Cup and finally has his chance to prove himself for his country.
Joelinton spoke to Globo Esporte about that, and couldn’t hide how happy he was, claiming he was in tears when his name was announced.
“I wanted to go to the beach and my wife told me to wait. I thought: if I get the news, I’ll be there. If I don’t receive it, I’ll be sad, but at least I’ll enjoy the beach.
“When he said my name, I just cried. It’s a feeling of pride, of seeing that this effort is being seen.
“A film goes through your head, of everything I’ve ever lived. Every effort, dedication and every fight was worth it. Proud of everything I’ve been through, how I’ve grown and learned.”
“Leaving Aliança, being able to arrive in Europe and now at the Brazilian national team… It’s a moment you dream of, but you don’t know it’ll come true.”
When Joelinton joined Newcastle United in a €44m deal from Hoffenheim as a striker, people in the Brazilian media already wondered whether he should have a chance at the national team, even though there’s obviously a bigger competition for the centre-forward position.
Now since he moved to midfield, it became more clear he’d soon have a place in the team, especially with the departure of manager Tite after the World Cup.
Brazil have interim manager Ramon Menezes in charge, so the Newcastle player must leave a good impression for the coach that arrives this summer. The national team will be facing Guinea and Senegal in friendlies in June.
