Newcastle United striker Joelinton opens up on his Premier League struggles, goal droughts & settling in England
Joelinton has opened up about his Newcastle United struggles having scored just three goals in his first season on Tyneside.
Much was expected of the Magpies’ new No9 in the summer after United broke their transfer record to pay Hoffenheim £40million for the 23-year-old striker.
And with one Premier League goal and two FA Cup strikes to show for their outlay, the Brazilian has come in for criticism.
“I think that for any striker, going for a while without scoring is bad, it leaves us with great anxiety,” he told Goal in Brazil.
“But I think it’s part of this beginning of trajectory in English football, and I’m not used to being shaken by a bad moment. I seek strength to train, improve and return to the games to score goals and help Newcastle come out with the victories.
“We always have to improve, seek evolution.
“It’s a league with great teams, excellent players and coaches, so the level is very high. I know that I’m prepared for this, and I train daily to evolve and be up to the games I play.”
While frustration has summed up his time in England so far, Joelinton is not giving up on life in the Premier League just yet – despite links to Fenerbahce cropping up in Turkey.
“I don’t usually get involved in rumours, negotiations,” he said.
“This is usually in the hands of the club and my agents, even so that I can stay focused on my work, on my goals.
“Newcastle were the club that believed in my football, which opened the doors of the Premier League for me and that made a big investment in my signing.
“I don’t like to plan the future too much, I prefer to live in the present. And today I say that I’m very happy here at the club and that I still want to give a lot of joy to the Newcastle fans, making a Premier League season of a high level and, who knows, taking the club to an international competition.”