"While Paulinho may well have played just one season for Barcelona, that campaign was enough to leave him in the memory of every Blaugrana fan. It was in the 2017-18 season that he signed for the Catalan club, arriving as a rather unexpected signing from China. His season, however, was a special one. While he did not adapt to the club's style, he added value through his direct style of football, while also scoring ten goals and six assists in just 34 games for the club."
""Messi approached me. We were playing a friendly against Argentina in Australia. The referee had just whistled a foul, and I was next to the ball with Willian," he began, setting up the story. "Suddenly, Leo approaches me, stares me in the eyes and says: 'So, are we going to Barcelona or not?'. Just like that. Without any explanation. He turned around and left. I didn't even have time to think," he added on how the topic came up. "I simply said: 'If you want to take me, I'll go!'""
Paulinho signed for Barcelona for the 2017-18 season after leaving Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League. He produced ten goals and six assists in 34 appearances while providing a direct, physical style that added value despite a limited tactical fit. Lionel Messi personally approached Paulinho during an international friendly, asking if he would join Barcelona and prompting Paulinho to contact his agent. Paulinho initially thought Messi was joking because he played in China, but the conversation convinced him to accept the transfer and return to top-level European football for one memorable campaign.
Read at Barca Universal
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