"Messi came up to me. We were playing a friendly against Argentina in Australia. The referee had just called a foul, and I was next to the ball with Willian. Suddenly, Leo comes over, looks me straight in the eyes, and says: 'So... are we going to Barcelona or not?' Just like that. No explanation, nothing. He turned around and walked away. I didn't even have time to think. I just said: 'If you want to take me, I'm going!'"
"I was so desperate that I thought about writing to Neymar to see if he knew anything. A month later, my agent called me and said, 'The deal is done. You have to come to Barcelona to sign the papers.'"
"Boss, for God's sake, I'm losing my mind! Tell me if this is real or not!"
Paulinho joined FC Barcelona in summer 2017 from Guangzhou Evergrande and spent one season at the club. He scored ten goals and provided six assists in 34 appearances while bringing a more direct, physical style. He helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Copa del Rey before returning to China. Lionel Messi approached Paulinho during a friendly in Australia and privately asked whether he was going to Barcelona, prompting immediate confusion and a frantic call to his agent. Paulinho later received official confirmation, finished his career with spells at Corinthians and in Saudi Arabia, retired at 36, and became sporting director at Mirass.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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