Steve Bruce didn’t even know if Joelinton could speak English as Newcastle boss meets £40m striker for first time

STEVE BRUCE did not know if Newcastle's new striker Joelinton could speak English when he first met him.

The Brazilian was midway through a TV interview when his new gaffer walked in to introduce himself.

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Joelinton, 22, recently joined up with his teammates after his £40million move from Hoffenheim.

And his first meeting with his new boss was an awkward one.

'HOW'S THE ENGLISH?'

Newcastle posted the video on their Twitter with the caption: "Here's the moment Steve Bruce met Joelinton midway through the new club record signing's first interview with NUFC TV yesterday... #JoelinToon #NUFC."

Bruce greeted the forward with a warm smile and a handshake and asked him if he was well before adding: "How's the English?"

Joelinton confirmed it was ok before they had an exchange through a translator.

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Referring to the striker's dyed hair, Bruce added: "I like the haircut. Is it especially for Newcastle? Maybe I should get a black stripe."

The new Geordie boss took the reins at St James' Park in controversial fashion after Rafa Benitez's unpopular departure.

But he seemed in good spirits and quickly let the club's record signing know he was looking forward to working with him.

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