• Premier League

Paulinho set for Tottenham switch

ESPN staff
July 1, 2013
Paulinho will be celebrating goals in the white of Tottenham Hotspur next season © PA Photos
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Brazil midfielder Paulinho has confirmed he will join Tottenham from Corinthians.

Paulinho, 24, has long been a target for Andre Villas-Boas and after Brazil's Confederations Cup final win over Spain, he revealed he is headed for the Premier League next season.

Inter Milan were also reportedly interested in the midfielder's services, but Paulinho insists it was an easy decision to accept an offer from Spurs.

"The other interest we got was of Inter Milan, but the only offer came from Tottenham," he told a press conference on Monday. "The proposal came, we sat down, analysed it and decided. It was a big decision to go to a big club. There comes a certain point when you need new challenges."

After spending three years at Corinthians, Paulinho thanked the Brazilian side's fans and assured them he will one day return to the club.

"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," he said.

"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."

Corinthians director of football Roberto de Andrade backed Paulinho's decision to take his career in a new direction.

"I want to thank Paulinho for everything he has done for Corinthians," de Andrade said. "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."

Paulinho will not feature for Corinthians in their Recopa Sudamericana clashes against Sao Paulo as he focuses on completing the move to Tottenham.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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