After three successful seasons with Brazilian club Corinthians, star midfielder Paulinho has announced his plans to join Premier League affiliate Tottenham before the start of the 2013-2014 season.
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The London club expressed interest in the 24-year-old last month and although the Brazilian native was gaining interest throughout the sport, Paulinho wanted to postpone an announcement about his future until after the recent Confederations Cup, which was held in his home country.
Shortly after Brazil knocked off Spain 3-0 to win the championship, the midfielder was ready to make his decision, ultimately choosing Tottenham. Paulinho also indicated that Inter Milan was another team interested in his services, but in the end the Spurs were the best fit.
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"The other interest we got was of Inter Milan, but the only offer came from Tottenham," the midfielder said in a statement earlier this week. "The proposal came, we sat down, analyzed it and decided. It was a big decision to go to a big club. There comes a certain point when you need new challenges."
Fully appreciative of his opportunity to play for Corinthians, Paulinho -- who scored 20 goals in 86 appearances with the Brasileirão club -- also noted that the love he holds for the organization and its fans will remain with him forever.
"It's hard to say anything at a moment like this, but I am sure those were three wonderful years in my career, with many titles. What I have to say to Corinthians fans, board and staff is 'see you soon'. I will be back in no time, due to everything they have done for me. My individual titles are all thanks to the club. Corinthians will be in my heart for the rest of my life."
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Paulinho has been a member of the Brazilian national team since 2011 and since he decided to take his career in a new direction after experiencing a high level of individual success with Corinthians, his former employers had nothing but praise for someone they truly admired for three seasons even though he won't be joining the team for their Recopa Sudamericana matches against Sao Paulo.
"I want to thank Paulinho for everything he has done for Corinthians," club director of football Roberto de Andrade said to ESPN. "We will never forget him, the great person he is, and his national team title is well deserved. Corinthians are proud for having had a player like him. It's fair he continues his life at an English club, to know a new culture."
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