Paulinho Talks Starting for Barcelona, Neymar, Messi
By Laieke Abebe
Paulinho, the latest signing from the Chinese Super League, says that he’s come to Barcelona to start and to get big minutes. He also has thoughts on a few of the world’s best players.
The latest signing of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho has the Barcelona board under high scrutiny once again. He came from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande for close to €40 million. Paulinho is going to receive a lot of criticism if he doesn’t perform well, but he expects to do good things with the Blaugrana.
The Brazilian midfielder wants to play big minutes for Barca this season. He may get his chance if Barca doesn’t get going in this transfer window. They still need to find some creative players, but they haven’t been so lucky. Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund continue to hold firm with Countinho and Dembele. In addition to that, Seri and Nice also stand firm despite Nice losing in the last stages of Champions League qualifying.
"“With respect to all the players here, I come with the idea of being a starter. I respected everyone a lot, by my thoughts are on playing and starting.”Paulinho On His Expectations With Barcelona"
The Blaugrana have been in the news for the wrong reasons lately. One big departure stands out from all of the rest. Barca has seen Neymar leave the team for Paris Saint Germain this summer. It was a move that shocked the footballing world, but Neymar is definitely worth the price that was paid for his services. Paulinho offered his thoughts on his compatriots move to France.
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"“That is part of football. [Neymar] took the decision to leave and, even though he’s an excellent player and would help a lot, he’s gone. That’s football. But we have a strong group of players with a lot of quality. That’s now in the past and we have to look to the future.”Paulinho on Neymar’s Departure"
Lastly, Paulinho was given the chance to talk about a new superstar teammate in the legendary Lionel Messi. The Brazilian can be added to the Barca players from past and present to hail the great Argentine.
"“He’s the best in the world, with unexplainable quality. I’m focusing on the way you have to play [at Barça], on how I have to play to adapt to [Messi]. Because the objective is to do everything possible to make him the best player in the world again and that will help us win titles.”Paulinho on Messi"
Overall, Paulinho is a controversial signing for the team because of his ability and how Barca has handled this transfer window. He didn’t pan out in the English Premier League and now he finds himself with a great club. Despite his worst times, Barca can be brand new for his image. It is up to him whether he wants to improve as a player.