News. New boy Joselu can't wait for St. James' bow

20170823-joselu-3
Published
23 Aug 17
Team
Men

Newcastle United’s latest signing Joselu is the matchday programme cover star for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Nottingham Forest – and he can’t to pull on the black and white stripes at St. James’ Park for the first time.

The former Stoke City forward could make his home debut for the Magpies under the lights in midweek, having made his bow as a second half substitute in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town.

And now, the 27-year-old says he can’t wait to make his first appearance in front of the United faithful as Rafa Benítez’s men bid to reach the third round of the competition.

“I want to be staying here with my family, staying strong with my football and working hard every week. I want to score goals for the supporters, the fans of the club, and help Newcastle to win some games,” Joselu told United.

“I’m so excited to put the shirt on again, after the photos for the presentation. I want to play in front of our supporters because everyone tells me they are amazing, and the atmosphere is very nice. I can’t wait to put the shirt on and play for Newcastle United.”

Joselu is the subject of Wednesday’s programme’s Big Interview, in which he also discusses his first impressions of the city and club and his time at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The frontman, who is now with the eighth club of a career which has seen him ply his trade in three countries, says he enjoys the challenges that come with adapting to a new environment.

“Me and my wife, we don’t have any problems adapting to different countries. We were in Germany, we were in Spain, we’ve been in England, and it’s not a problem to move a lot of times. We’re a very good couple, we stay together and we enjoy it all together – it’s not a problem,” he said.

“I learned a lot when I played in Germany, because there were new cities, a new language. I like to learn the language, the culture of the people.

“Then I came to England. It’s different to the others, and I’ve learned English. The football is different too, you learn different things, but you have to enjoy it.

“In Germany it’s so hard, the football is hard. They run, and they love when a player runs 15 kilometres in one game – they could lose 5-0, but if the midfielder or captain runs 15 kilometres, (they say) ‘he’s our hero!’

“In Spain, I think it’s more tactical, and in the Premier League, it’s a combination of Spain and in Germany. It’s not too hard like Germany, but the players are strong players, and also the games are so fast, but the teams have a lot of quality.”

As well as the feature-length interview with Joselu, there is an interview with former midfielder Tommy Cassidy who reflects on the Magpies’ run to the final of the League Cup in 1976, while Club Historian Paul Joannou takes a look back at some special edition newspapers from Newcastle’s famous cup triumphs in the 1950s.

To read all of this in full – and much more – pick up a copy of United, which will be available to purchase around St. James’ Park and in the club store on Wednesday, priced at just £3.

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