'Let's see': Joelinton speaks about potentially ending his career at Newcastle United ahead of milestone appearance on Sunday
Who'd have thought, almost seven years ago, when Joelinton arrived at Newcastle United for a then record fee of £40 million, he'd still be at the club all these years later?
Nobody is the answer to that rhetorical question. After his first few months at the club, it was clear that Newcastle had been stitched up by Hoffenheim and sold a dud.
Bought as a striker, Joelinton was handed the coveted Number 9 shirt and sent out to play up top on his own. It was a bold call considering he'd never actually played as an out-and-out striker before, and it showed.
There was a time that we'd have accepted any offer for Joelinton just to end the misery, but a forced tactical switch by Eddie Howe, moving Joelinton into the midfield in a game against Norwich after Newcastle were reduced to 10 men, changed everything. Joelinton, the box-to-box beast, was born, and now, we'd turn down an £80 million bid for him.
Joelinton is ready to make his 250th appearance for Newcastle United
On Sunday, Joelinton will make his 250th appearance for the club in all competitions after recently passing 200 Premier League games, and Sky Sports' Keith Downie asked the 29-year-old if he could potentially see out his career on Tyneside.
"That's a difficult question. I always had in my head that I'd finish at the club where I started, at the club I support. But you never know, football changes so quickly.
"I love the club, and for me to finish my career here, to finish my career in Europe would be a dream for me. But let's see my future, I hope to play many years, let's see if I do it or not."
Joelinton was afflicted by the Newcastle United form curse this season, but he seems to be past it now
Joelinton struggled to find consistent form this season, which had us a bit worried about his future, but it seems to be a rotating curse around the squad that everyone is having a bad patch this term.
He seems to be back to his marauding best now, though, and has once again reclaimed his place in the starting lineup.
Here's to many more years of Joelinton at Newcastle United. What a guy. What a tank.
