Former Newcastle United’s former underperformer Joselu has taken an unexpected turn in his career, waiting until his thirties to reach his peak. He recently earned his debut for the Spanish national team at the age of 32 and subsequently secured a return to Real Madrid.
Joselu’s journey has been far from predictable since his 2019 transfer from Newcastle to Alaves for £2.5 million. During his time at Newcastle, he struggled to make an impact, scoring just seven goals in 52 appearances after being signed by Rafa Benitez from Stoke City. Many Newcastle fans were puzzled by Benitez’s decision to acquire him, as Joselu struggled to find form at the club.
However, opinions on Rafa Benitez’s judgment have drastically changed since Joselu started scoring goals for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He has made an impressive start to the current La Liga season, with five goals and two assists in nine games, earning recognition by being featured on the cover of the esteemed Spanish publication Marca.
In his interview with Marca, Joselu reflected on his career, acknowledging the challenging times, notably his stint at Newcastle. Nevertheless, he expressed no regrets and emphasized that every step in his journey contributed to his current success, stating, “I have enjoyed everything, and it has helped me become the footballer and person I am today. While there were times when I could have chosen different paths due to difficulties, those decisions ultimately led me to where I am now.”
🇪🇸 Joselu, cover star of Marca here in Spain this morning
🗣️ “This happens to me for not giving up”
⚽️ You never would have forecast this during his time at Newcastle, but at 33 it’s great to see, a victory for perseverance & self-belief pic.twitter.com/asUG73dJBy
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) October 11, 2023
Joselu’s tenure at Newcastle was marked by inconsistency, but his unwavering effort and determination endeared him to fans. Despite his struggles, he remained an underdog figure, and many hoped he would eventually find success because of his character and dedication.
While Joselu’s time at Newcastle was challenging, he is now reaping the rewards of his hard work and determination, and many are thrilled to see his career take a positive turn.