Former Tottenham Midfielder Paulinho Announces Retirement at Age 36
Lucas Arnold – Sun 8 September 2024, 17:00 UK
Tottenham Hotspur has seen many iconic midfielders over the years, with names like Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart frequently mentioned in discussions of their best-ever players. Today, however, news comes from a former Spurs midfielder who made his mark during a tumultuous time for the club: Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, signed by André Villas-Boas for £17m, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
Paulinho’s Tottenham Journey
In 2013, Paulinho became Villas-Boas’ first summer signing, a marquee move during a period of transition at Spurs. His arrival from Corinthians was met with high expectations, given his form and reputation in Brazil. During his time at White Hart Lane, Paulinho made 67 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists.
The Brazilian’s playing style was dynamic, and he often played as a box-to-box midfielder, a role that current Spurs star Pape Matar Sarr now occupies. While Paulinho had his moments of brilliance on the pitch, his time in North London wasn’t without its challenges.
Paulinho played under three different Tottenham managers—André Villas-Boas, Tim Sherwood, and Mauricio Pochettino—each with distinct playing philosophies. Although he started strong, the midfielder gradually found himself out of favour, particularly under Pochettino, which led to his eventual departure from the club in 2015.
Struggles at Spurs
In an interview with The Players’ Tribune in 2018, Paulinho revealed the difficulties he faced during his time at Tottenham, both on and off the pitch. Despite his admiration for the club and its staff, he found London life tough, often feeling isolated and stressed about his lack of playing time.
Paulinho recalled: “For a footballer, not playing is like a fish not being in the water. I felt as though I were suffocating.”
The Brazilian went on to explain that his absence from Pochettino’s plans was never due to a falling out, but rather a philosophical mismatch. Eventually, Paulinho requested a move away from the club, and Tottenham facilitated a transfer to Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.
A Global Journey
After leaving Tottenham, Paulinho’s career took him to China, where he became a key player for Guangzhou Evergrande during a period of heavy investment in Chinese football. His success in Asia attracted the attention of European giants Barcelona, and in 2017, he made a surprising return to Europe, signing with the Catalan club.
At Barcelona, Paulinho contributed significantly during his single season, adding depth to their midfield and scoring vital goals. After his stint in Spain, he returned to Guangzhou Evergrande before eventually winding down his playing days with Brazilian side Corinthians, the club where he first rose to prominence.
A Career Well-Lived
Paulinho took to social media to announce his retirement, expressing gratitude for the experiences and achievements he gained throughout his career. His journey took him across three continents, earning domestic and international accolades while showcasing his talent at clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, and Corinthians.
Despite the ups and downs at Spurs, Paulinho’s career is widely regarded as a success. His ability to adapt to various football cultures, from Europe to Asia and back to Brazil, is a testament to his skill and professionalism.
As Tottenham now places faith in emerging stars like Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall under Ange Postecoglou, the memory of players like Paulinho remains part of the club’s rich tapestry of midfield talent. The Brazilian will be remembered for his contributions both at Spurs and on the global football stage, as he officially hangs up his boots after an illustrious 19-year career.
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