Paulinho was born in Sao Paulo and was able to join his boyhood club, Corinthians, in 2010.

He was a regular kisser of the badge and broke down in to tears at the press conference announcing his departure from the club after signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

“It is difficult to talk at a moment like this,” he said. “But these were three wonderful years in my career, with achievements, and working with the right people, who always helped me. Pretty soon I’ll be back. Thank you for everything that you did for me.”