Portugal international Paulinho has no regrets about missing out on a move to Tottenham Hotspur, telling Next he wants to “shine” at Braga.
Even the most hard-nosed Braga fanatic would surely have understood if their star striker pushed for a move from the Primeira Liga during the summer transfer window.
Aged 28, the late-blooming Paulinho is in the form of his life and, after 25 goals and nine assists during a career-best 2019/20 campaign, the former Gil Vicente ace is establishing himself as a key player for the Portuguese national team.
The 6ft 1in centre-forward featured in all three of Portugal’s games during the recent international break, scoring twice on his debut in last week’s 7-0 dismantling of Andorra.
“I want to continue to shine because I represent the club I like. I have a group of incredible players with me and I am ambitious,” Paulinho explains. Braga are second in the Primeira Liga table and dreaming of a first title in their history.
“I was received very well (at Portugal). It is a national team similar to (the one) at Braga, a young ambitious group. Everyone welcomed me, including Cristiano (Ronaldo), and that’s probably helped me feel so good in the games.
“(I feel) happier and more fulfilled but also with more responsibility and motivation to have a great season (with Braga).”
O Jogo reported Tottenham were unwilling to pay the £27 million Braga wanted for their star man, signing another Primeira Liga forward in the shape of Benfica’s Carlos Vinicius on loan.
Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers were linked too.
But while Paulinho might have missed out on the exposure and financial rewards only Premier League football can offer, it’s hard to imagine the striker being handed such a key role with Portugal if stuck on the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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