Hoffenheim Coach Recounts How Newcastle Man Saved Him From Fainting
Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo shared a heartwarming story about how Newcastle United forward Joelinton once came to his aid during his time as assistant coach at the German club.
A Lifelong Bond Forged in Subway
Matarazzo, 46, revealed that he fainted while grabbing a bite at Subway when he wasn’t feeling well. Disoriented and on the verge of collapsing, he was fortunately spotted by the Brazilian who then intervened.
“I was unwell, and I was alone here in Hoffenheim,” Matarazzo recalled. “I quickly went to Subway because I needed to eat something. I wasn’t feeling well at all.”
He continued, describing the moment he fainted, “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 realized I was about to faint, and I did faint.”
Joelinton Steps Up to Help
Thankfully, he was present and reacted quickly to the situation.
“I fell over, and when I opened my eyes, I saw him! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'” Matarazzo said.
The coach went on to praise Joelinton’s character, highlighting both his kindness and his talent on the pitch.
“He lifted me up and I had a quick visit to the hospital,” Matarazzo said. “He’s an incredibly good person, and a good footballer.”
“He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?” Matarazzo added with a touch of humor.
From Subway Saviour to Newcastle Star
This anecdote speaks volumes about Joelinton’s character. The Brazilian forward, who scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Hoffenheim before joining Newcastle for a club-record fee in 2019, has blossomed into a key player for the Magpies.
Initially deployed as a striker, Joelinton struggled to find his footing. However, a tactical switch to midfield under former manager Steve Bruce unlocked his potential. This positive trend continued under current boss Eddie Howe, with Joelinton flourishing in his new role.
Despite undergoing groin surgery in January 2024, effectively ending his season prematurely, Joelinton recently committed his long-term future to Newcastle by signing a new four-year contract.
