Joelinton remains ‘happy’ at Newcastle United despite ‘difficult moments’

Joelinton is determined to continue his recent form in front of goal and remains ‘happy’ at Newcastle United despite some ‘difficult moments’.

The Magpies record signing has consistently struggled since sealing a move from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the summer of 2019.

The Brazilian has been utilised in a number of roles and systems in black-and-white so far, and the 24-year-old’s strike against West Ham was just his fifth Premier League goal in 64 appearances.

However, the goal against the Hammers was Joelinton’s second in the last three matches, and the first time he has scored in back-to-back fixtures at St James’ Park.

The price tag means Joelinton’s struggles have been magnified and scrutinised by fans and pundits alike throughout his two-year tenure on Tyneside.

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Joelinton admits circumstances on and off the pitch means he has endured testing times with the Magpies, but he remains determined to ‘repay’ the faith the club has showed in him.

He told NUFC TV: “It’s difficult to talk about; I think with things in general, and the effect upon football, means I’ve had some difficult moments, and good times as well.

“I hope to be consistent across future seasons as this makes you more confident and happier in your life off the pitch, so I hope things work out on the pitch to improve life with my family and friends off it. But as I’ve always said, I’m happy here – I’ve been made to feel so welcome since I arrived.

“I hope to keep going and have better seasons ahead as I’ve always been so well received here, and I’d like to repay all this faith and affection I’ve had since I got here.”

Callum Wilson is set to feature in Saturday’s clash at Liverpool, and the 29-year-old remains Newcastle’s leading goalscorer by some distance despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.

Joelinton is tied in second with Miguel Almiron on five goals in all competitions, and the Brazilian’s finishing has regularly drawn criticism.

The former Hoffenheim forward insists he is driven by a desire to score goals, and hopes to maintain his recent momentum by adding to his tally before the end of the season.

Joelinton said: “We know the pressure we’re under as forward players – you’ll be judged on the number of goals you scores and the chances created, but sometimes you help the team out in other ways with an assist or a run that creates space for your team-mate to score.

“I’m happy to have helped the team with my two goals and now I hope to continue scoring. It’s what I’ve always wanted. I always want to score – sometimes it doesn’t happen, we know that in football it’s not always that easy.

“I aim to continue doing what I’m doing, training, putting in maximum effort. I hope to take things game by game until the end of the season and score more goals.”

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