Joelinton has spoken of his aim to give Newcastle United "more nice moments" like his two goals at Norwich City - after sending the travelling Geordie faithful into a state of ecstasy.
The £40million man was serenaded off the pitch at Carrow Road before making his way to the dressing room where he received a standing ovation from players and staff following his brace in the 3-0 victory over the Canaries. For Joelinton, a player who has received an incredible amount of scrutiny compared to most, it was a long way from some tough afternoons in his first couple of seasons on Tyneside.
Under Eddie Howe he has ended up rebuilding his shattered confidence as a midfield enforcer but his morale has been so good this term, the Toon head coach has prudently waited for the right time to push him quietly back into the frontline. And that patience and care from Howe paid off in fine manner in Norfolk.
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Speaking about the reception he got from fans at Norwich, Joelinton said: "It's a nice feeling after a tough time. I feel this love from the fans.
"It's a great feeling and now I want to give them more nice moments. We played very well, we scored the first goal and controlled the game.
"We continued that throughout and I'm very happy to see us get the three points. I am very pleased with two goals, very happy and pleased. "
The great thing about Joelinton's rapport with fans was that the love and affection they showed towards the South American forward was not simply in the aftermath of his two goals. Indeed, the supporters carried a banner into the away section with them and held it up before his heroics. Joelinton added: "The day was my 100th appearance so to mark it with goals is a special feeling.
"It's good to score but more importantly I want to help the team get three points."
