Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final was the culmination of many stories: like Dan Burn’s career ascendancy up the football pyramid capped off with a goal for his boyhood club.
Ans Alexander Isak cementing his status as the Premier League’s most in-demand player with his game winning goal in the second half.
But for one Newcastle player in particular, the cup final win capped off one of the great career turnarounds: an emotional climax to an enthralling journey so far in black and white for Joelinton.
Joelinton in tears on Newcastle journey
Shortly after winning his first trophy since leaving his native Brazil, Joelinton gave an emotional interview to Sky Sports.
Wiping tears away (you can watch the interview in full below), the former Player of the Year remarked on the rollercoaster journey he’s gone through on Tyneside.
“To come from the North East of Brazil to where I am today makes me really proud, and to win for this club makes me really proud.”
“It’s an honour for me to give something back to them (the fans): they are unbelievable fans, they support us in every moment, even in difficult moments.”
“Like you said, I’ve been here for six years. I’ve had bad times, difficult times but I never give up. I always believe in myself, and they always believe in us. They’re always supporting us and they deserve it after so long. I hope it’s the start of a new era for this club!”
Joelinton’s career turnaround would not have been possible without Eddie Howe: turning the South American from a misfiring forward to the monstrous midfielder we all back today is one of the gaffer’s greatest successes since his arrival, and Joelinton couldn’t be more thankful.
“He’s great, there’s so many words I can say about him. He’s a great person, a great man, who works hard every day since he joined the club.”
“I’m so happy to give him the title as well. Every time I step on the pitch, I give my best for him as well because he believe in myself. He changed my position, and since day one he gave me the confidence to play.”
“I’m so happy to have him here. Yes it’s an unbelievable feeling, he’s a great man, I love him.”
No one deserves this more. What a midfielder. What a man. What a story.