Newcastle United striker Joelinton has revealed that he ignores media critics who question his £40million price tag.
The former Hoffenheim star has scored seven goals for United in 62 appearances for the Magpies since arriving from the Bundesliga in 2019.
But as he prepares for 2021 and the challenges that lie ahead for Newcastle, Joelinton said: "I’ve never paid too much attention to the press.
"I knew when I came here that if things weren’t going well on the pitch, there would be a lot of demands on me and lots of criticism, but I’ve tried to put those to one side and not really look at them or pay attention to them as it would be unhelpful to do that.
"I just focus on the positives, on all the people around me who are there to help me – and not look too much at the negatives. I was aware of the criticism, but it’s not something I followed or looked at."
Joelinton, speaking to the club programme, feels that Callum Wilson has helped him perform well this season.
The duo impressively linked up in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace when paired together and in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool both strikers worked hard to hassle Reds defenders.
Joelinton said: "He provides me with a lot of freedom on the pitch – I believe his style really helps my game.
"The way he plays, he really contributes to the team up front – he really occupies the centre-backs, he holds the ball up – and it allows him to play one-twos with me."
And despite a tough first season, that resulted in just two Premier League goals, Joelinton says he is stronger for the experience.
He said: "There’s more experience after completing a season.
"You understand the league better, the opponents better – and the style of play, I think that the most important thing is the experience gained."
