BRAZILIAN ace Joelinton arrived at Newcastle in 2019 as their then-club record £40million signing.
He was initially handed the No9 shirt and was expected to fire Steve Bruce’s side up the table.
The 27-year-old initially struggled with the Toon, as he appeared to lack goalscoring nous.
Bruce decided to move his No9 into midfield, with promising results.
When Eddie Howe took over in 2021, the former Bournemouth boss continued to use Joelinton at the heart of the team.
Now wearing No7, Joelinton has flourished under Howe, playing a key role in last season’s top four finish.
His 2023-24 campaign was abruptly ended in January when he was forced to undergo groin surgery.
But he did give fans something to savour prior to his injury, by helping his team to a thumping 3-0 FA Cup win over Sunderland on Wearside.
The American was recently asked which former Hoffenheim star he’d bring back to the club, if he could choose any.
When relaying his answer, Matarazzo opened up on how Joelinton, 27, once helped him out of a spot of bother.
He said: “Good question… probably Joelinton.
“Once I was very unwell, and I was alone here in Hoffenheim, back when I was assistant coach.
“I knew I needed to eat something and I didn’t have any food at home.
“I quickly went to Subway, because I knew I needed to eat something, I didn’t feel well.
“I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well, I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.
“I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.
“I fell over, and when I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”
Joelinton scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Hoffenheim before joining Newcastle in a then-club record £40million deal in 2019.
The Brazilian signed under former boss Steve Bruce, and initially struggled as he was played as a striker.
When Bruce moved him into midfield, Joelinton’s performances took an uptick.
Following his arrival Eddie Howe continued to utilise the former No9 in the middle of the park, with Joelinton continuing to flourish.
He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?
Newcastle’s No7 has been out since January after having to undergo groin surgery.
A fortnight ago, Joelinton penned a new four-year contract at St James’ Park.
Upon signing, he said: “I feel great. I feel very happy and my family is happy.
“A lot of things have happened in my years here. I’ve learnt a lot and grown a lot, and for me to come here to Newcastle was the best decision of my career.
“I love playing for the club. I love the club, I love the fans. We had a lot of discussions and I always wanted to be here. I’m glad to continue and I hope to have success in the years to come.”
