Joe reflects on another goalden day
JOELINTON has reflected on scoring in front of watching Brazil manager Tite at St James’ Park.
The uncapped Brazilian fired home in the second half to put Newcastle into a commanding lead against Aston Villa.
Joelinton is not ruling out winning a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar but insists his main priority is Newcastle United.
He said: “It meant a lot but it was my first goal of the season. I have had to wait for this goal.
“I have been trying my best and I am very happy to score against Villa.
“All the fans have supported me and the team and it came in front of my family as well. They were very happy, it was good for me.”
For Joelinton, who now has 15 Toon goals to his name, the goal was a personal landmark he had been trying for since 2019.
He added: “It was my first goal in front of the Gallowgate End with supporters in the ground.
“I scored once but it was during Covid and nobody was here.
“The main thing is to help the team, that is the most important.”
When asked about United being in fourth place the Brazilian ace said: “No, it is just very positive for us at the start. We always dream big.
“Maybe we did not expect to be fourth but after the performances we have put in during games we just had to keep going.
“We just have to keep thinking game by game and doing our best game by game.”
Newcastle face Southampton next weekend but Joelinton will be banned after picking up a yellow card.
Nevertheless, he is delighted with the team’s form.
He said: “We played really well against Villa.
“The first half was a bit difficult but the second half we did well and it was one of the best performances we have given.
“I am very happy to help the team with one goal and very happy with the three points.
“It was a great performance at home.”
Eddie Howe has backed Joelinton to earn a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
When quizzed about the performance and the 26-yearold’s chances of earning a callup for the Qatar showpiece, Howe backed the fan-favourite to make the cut.
He said: “Of course, I wouldlike Joe to go to the World Cup. He is a top, top player, top person.
“I am sure the Brazil manager is very aware of Joelinton and his qualities and what he can bring, his versatility.
“He has a lot of strengths. Seeing him close up will have definitely helped his detail of what he can offer the squad.
“You talk about the Brazilian national team, and how many quality players they have and there’s big competition for him, but I believe in the player. I believe he would make a huge difference.”
Joelinton is yet to earn his first Brazil cap and faces a wealth of competition. Manchester United duo Fred and Casemiro, along with Bruno Guimaraes, make up three of Tite’s options in the middle of the park.