Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy wore the biggest smile on his face when the iconic Champions League anthem played on Tuesday night – and the footage is heartwarming.
The 28-year-old, who has featured heavily since Eddie Howe arrived in November 2021, was named as a surprise starter for their opening Champions League clash against AC Milan.
He lined up beside Sean Longstaff and Anthony Gordon at the San Siro ahead of kick-off as the Magpies prepared for a tough test in Group F.
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And moments after the stadium announcer pressed play on the famous UCL anthem, cameras captured a beaming Murphy reacting to the song.
After a 20-year wait, this must have been an emotional moment for Newcastle and their supporters. How good is this?
Murphy, who is a boyhood Newcastle fan, opened up about playing Champions League football ahead of their opener against AC Milan.
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"I couldn't ever had dreamed this," Murphy told Newcastle's club channel. "It's better than what I could have imagined and we're there. I've got no words for it. Who would have thought it? But we've done it.
"Throughout the season we've been unbelievable and it's just compounded effort, commitment and team spirit - we had the right ingredients to get success.
"I think everyone had a feeling (it would happen) - I can't pinpoint the time but we've been solid for quite a long while, and then this dream has become a reality."
Murphy added: "It's amazing. I've always said that I love being here and I love playing for my club. To be a part of that group that has got to the Champions League after two decades - you cannot write it."
Topics: Newcastle United, AC Milan, Champions League
Jack Kenmare