While eyebrows may have been raised upon Paulinho’s move to Barcelona from Guangzhou Evergrande, it seems the Brazilian retains a good level of support amongst sections of the club’s support.
Perhaps there were doubts in regards to how well he’d fare at one of the biggest clubs in the world (he spoke about being written off when speaking to Sid Lowe of the Guardian) after spending time in China, but he did perform well. Nine goals and three assists was the 31-year-old’s return from 49 appearances, as helped the Spanish titans win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
He was subsequently loaned back to former club Guangzhou Evergrande at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, with the Chinese Super League club making his signing permanent in January for a reported €42m.
It’s clear that the Brazilian left somewhat of a legacy at Barcelona, though, with fans of the club hailing his tenure in Catalonia on Twitter this week after he was asked about his time at the Camp Nou by Mundo Deportivo:
Atleast you could have put up a good fight against Liverpool mate.
— Mohammed Bilal. S (@MohdBilal_11) September 9, 2019
September 16th, 2017, Getafe away 80th minute, absolute class goal to win us the game. Streets won’t forget 🥺 pic.twitter.com/ruokpi101G
— Jfue 🐝 (@AlmightyJid) September 9, 2019
Miss you idolo
— Nãif (@NaifFCB__) September 9, 2019
He ruined Real Madrid
— FreeFolk (@saint_paa) September 9, 2019
The greatest midfielder in Barca’s history. Absolute gunman.
— Ak (@MarvelousMamba) September 9, 2019
Il be the first: I miss him
— Teddy (@Teddy_37_) September 9, 2019
Barca fans, do you miss Paulinho? Let us know by commenting below!
