Pandemic fightback, stand-in centre-back, Newton joins São Paulo | OneFootball

Defensive midfielder Newton was introduced this Wednesday (29) at CT da Barra Funda as São Paulo’s new signing for the season. The player spoke at a press conference to introduce himself to the fans, while also sharing stories about his past and his aunt’s influence on the deal.

The 26-year-old player, who arrived from Botafogo, signed a permanent contract with the São Paulo club through December 2029 and has already been training normally with the squad in recent days. He will wear the number 28 shirt at São Paulo.

Like many others, Newton went through a major ordeal during the COVID pandemic in 2020 while playing for his first club, Jacuipense, from Bahia. During the global crisis, he stopped receiving wages from the team and had to find another way to support himself, at just 20 years old.

The midfielder accepted work as a construction laborer, earning R$1,200, so he could help his family in Salvador. He thought about giving up football, but then received a call from Jacuipense to return to the pitch.

“It was a moment in my life that was hard, it was complicated, but great athletes go through difficulties, and those who are resilient can achieve their goals. And thank God today I’m arriving at São Paulo and I’m very happy,” the player said at the start of the press conference.

“It was during the pandemic. The club I was at at the time was Jacuipense, and they stopped making payments. I lived with my mother, so things started to run short at home and I had to go work.”

“So when I got the offer to work, I went. But every day I was there, I hoped the pandemic would end and that I could go back to playing football, which is what I love doing most in life. And one day I was there, and my phone rang, and it was Jacuipense’s director calling me, saying I had to report back.”

“That’s when I realized my dream wasn’t dead. I was very happy, I went back, managed to perform there, and got signed by Botafogo. That’s when I saw my life change completely,” Newton added.

CAN HE PLAY IN DEFENSE TOO?

Originally a defensive midfielder, Newton Jr. explained that he can also take on a more defensive role for Tricolor if coach Dorival Júnior needs him to.

“I’m a defensive midfielder, I can play as both the holding midfielder and the second midfielder, and I’ve also played as a center back. I’m a team player—if it’s for the good of the group and I have to play as a center back, I’ll be willing. I’m always ready to help São Paulo.”

AUNT’S “PRESSURE”

“When I was on vacation now during the Copa break, I was with my aunt, and some posts were already coming out online and everything, and then she said to me, ‘So, is this really true? Are you really going? You have to go, you’re going to be very happy, it’s your aunt’s favorite club, give me the privilege of cheering for you and for my club at the same time.’”

“So I told her, ‘God willing, everything will work out,’ and thank God today I’m here. She was very happy and asked me for a shirt, and the first one is going to be for her. I’m very happy to be here,” revealed São Paulo’s new signing.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.