It's a dream to play here, says Big Joe

JOELINTON admits that sometimes he has to pinch himself when wearing a Newcastle United shirt and hearing the Champions League music blare out around Europe.

- writes LEE RYDER.

Newcastle fought against relegation in the Braziian's first few years at the club under Steve Bruce after signing for £40m from Hoffenheim.

And Joelinton referenced the former Toon gaffer when taking the stage in Brussels ahead of the Champions League clash against Union SG, admitting he had not faced a press conference since he was first unveiled as the club's No 9 back in 2019.

He said: "I actually remember my last press conference was with Steve Bruce when I arrived here!

"But it's nice to see the way the club is going since then. The difficult times are gone and the club is growing.