Sean Longstaff says that Newcastle United players refused to pose for the now traditional dressing room photograph until Joelinton had been roared back from the Carrow Road pitch on Saturday.
The two-goal Brazilian star paved the way for an emphatic 3-0 victory at Norwich before being serenaded from the field on his 100th appearance from supporters who had made the 510 mile round trip. But the roar from the United players could be heard from the nearby interview mixed zone at the Canaries' stadium.
Looking back on the moment for Joelinton, Longstaff told Chronicle Live: "I’m so happy for him and he deserves it. The way he’s been this season since he’s changed his role, and then to go a little further forward and show how effective he can be there.
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"Everyone’s so happy for him. The changing room’s so happy. You’ve seen him when he came in, the whole room erupted. When you see how hard someone works day in, day out, and where he went from the unfair criticism he used to get, and to now where everyone loves him, which is how it’s always been for us.
"We knew he had the ability and quality. Hopefully, that will continue for a long time.”
Joelinton's performances this season have made the South American a contender for the club's player of the season in many people's eyes this term. Longstaff said: "Absolutely. To be fair, most weeks, especially when we’ve won, that happens.
"He’s been outstanding. We could have cheered him every single game. It was his day at Norwich. I think it was 100 Premier League appearances for him. It’s such a special day. Two goals, he deserves it. He’s a joy to be around every day. I’m over the moon for him."
