Joelinton suggests Mike Ashley is to blame for ‘astronomical’ Newcastle United decision

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Newcastle United star Joelinton has criticised former owner Mike Ashley in a recent interview.

The Brazilian has undoubtedly been one of the Magpies’ best players this season and has solidified his legendary status on Tyneside for helping the club win their first domestic trophy since 1955.

Joelinton was sensational in the Carabao Cup final, winning the midfield battle against a group of Liverpool players who looked unstoppable for most of the season.

However, it has not always been easy for him at Newcastle United. Joining for a then club-record fee of £40m, fans immediately demanded that Joelinton to deliver and prove he was worth his price tag.

He struggled as a striker, and did not find his best form at Newcastle until being moved into midfield by Eddie Howe following Ciaran Clark’s red card against Norwich City during the 2021/22 season.

Since then, Joelinton has been recognised as one of the most feared midfielders in the Premier League due to his strength and aggression.

Howe now thinks Joelinton is ‘invaluable‘, but the Brazilian has shared what he really thinks about his price tag, and another bizarre decision from former Newcastle manager Steve Bruce.

• READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More

Joelinton was never happy with his price tag at Newcastle United

Newcastle fans now sing “£40m down the drain, Joelinton scores again.” But when he first signed, it did not look like he was worth £4m, let alone £40m.

Howe thinks Joelinton will be a manager one day, perhaps due to his resilience and ability to completely transform himself after major setbacks, it is hard to disagree with him.

With his price tag now looking more believable after each performance, Joelinton has commented on what he really thought about his price tag, and Bruce’s decision to hand him the number 9 shirt and play him as a striker.

“I don’t think the value [of the signing] interfered [with performance]. I think the weight of carrying the No. 9 shirt, which is very heavy at this club, did… There’s the tradition of Alan Shearer,” he told ESPN Brazil.

“As for the price, we see astronomical prices in football. So, it’s not my fault that it cost that much. It was the clubs [who negotiated the price]. So, in terms of value, it never got in my way.

‘Yes, it did, being the number 9… Having to solve problems, score goals. And things didn’t work out the way we wanted at first. But I don’t regret it. It was an important step in my career. I’m very proud to be able to wear the shirt of this club.”

• READ MORE – ‘Future Ballon d’Or winner’ hints he will finally leave his club amid longstanding Newcastle United interest

Joelinton injury latest ahead of Arsenal vs Newcastle United

On Sunday, Newcastle travel to Arsenal for a huge game towards the top of the Premier League table. The title may have already been won by Liverpool, but second place is still up for grabs.

A win would see Newcastle overtake Arsenal into second and establish a three-point gap to the likes of Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Champions League football qualification is at stake, but Joelinton will not be available to feature.

Ahead of the trip to Arsenal, Howe confirmed it is likely he will not be seen for the rest of the season.

“He’s working away behind the scenes. Typical Joe he’s absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved. The biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.”

Newcastle have been without Joelinton for the last two games, drawing against Brighton and beating Chelsea.