Newcastle United returned to the Champions League tonight against AC Milan, and one Toon player could not hide his joy before kickoff.
Heading into the game, there was so much excitement for everyone associated with Newcastle United. Being back in the Champions League is a massive achievement, and that accomplishment was affirmed with the famous anthem before the game began.
As the Champions League’s song played throughout the San Siro just moments before kickoff, the camera panned along the Newcastle starting XI, which included the likes of Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak.
Jacob Murphy was also there, having been picked by Eddie Howe to start on the right wing, taking Harvey Barnes’ place in the side.
When the camera went past the 28-year-old, he could not hide his excitement. Murphy boasted a glorious grin on his face, just moments before playing in the Champions League for his boyhood club.
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Warren Barton reacts to Jacob Murphy moment before Newcastle’s Champions League return
It was brilliant to see Murphy so excited before the game. His reaction epitomised how every Toon fan was feeling as they heard the Champions League anthem.
Now former Newcastle defender Warren Barton has reacted to the pre-match moment, and he loved Murphy’s reaction.
In response to a video of Murphy before the game, Barton wrote on Twitter: “Fantastic.”
It was so heartwarming to see his reaction, and it is another clip that will see Murphy become a meme. It happened last season too, as he gaped in disbelief after scoring a screamer during a 6-1 against Tottenham Hotspur.
Seeing Murphy start at the San Siro was a real surprise. It had been expected that Miguel Almiron would start on the right, but the honour went to Murphy. It was his first start of the season, and his first appearance since the opening day of the Premier League season.