Former £5m Newcastle flop fires Real Madrid into Champions League final

"He's hit the corner flag with a shot." might be a sentence you would associate former Newcastle United striker Joselu with, because he did hit a corner flag with a shot.

The Spaniard had a pretty torrid time at the Magpies only scoring six goals in almost 50 games. By most Newcastle fans he will just be regarded as another forward who failed to make an impact on Tyneside.

Since leaving Newcastle however, Joselu has made quite the name for himself.

Last night, Joselu came on deep into the second half of the Champions League semi-final and scored a dramatic late brace that sent Real Madrid through.

Image: PA

Joselu - Newcastle flop to Champions League finalist

Following a rather mediocre spell at Stoke, Joselu joined Newcastle in August 2017 on a three-year deal for £5million fee.

Inconsistent is one word to describe his first season on Tyneside, only scoring four goals in 30 Premier League games.

He then became a fourth-choice attacker due to the arrival of Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto the following season.

Two more goals in 16 league appearances followed before he left for Alaves in July 2019 where his career would go on the upward.

Joselu went on to score 36 goals in 110 La Liga appearances for Alaves earning a move to Espanyol where his form continued.

His impressive performances then earned him a loan move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Joselu - Spanish Treble winner?

Now 34, Joselu is on the cusp of becoming a treble winner having already picked up Spanish Super Cup and La Liga winners medals already.

It's also looking increasingly likely that he will be part of the Spanish national team's 26-man squad for EURO 2024 in Germany.

Football fans in Spain will remember Joselu for his link-up play, ability to finish and Champions League goals. Newcastle fans? They'll know him as the flop who hit the corner flag from 20-yards.

Congratulations Joselu, go and do us proud!