With Talisker stepping foot in the Middle Eastern giants Riyadh Crescent, Guangzhou's foreign aid turnover has come to an end. on June 20, Beijing time, Guangzhou's official website released heavy news, officially completing the termination of Paulinho's contract, and the player himself confirmed the parting on social media platforms.
Guangzhou team mentioned in the official statement, in view of the global new crown epidemic prevention and control situation is increasingly serious, in accordance with the provisions of the domestic epidemic prevention, the Brazilian star is difficult to return to the team to continue to fulfill the contract, the two sides reached agreement after consultation. Here, the team of Paulinho, the world-class star in front of our fans to show the excellent soccer talent and tactical level to express my heartfelt thanks to his outstanding contribution to the Guangzhou soccer and the team to pay high tribute. At the same time, the team also wishes the everlasting friend Paulinho all the best for the future and create more brilliant achievements in his work!
Paulinho expressed his feelings on social media platforms, "Today, an important chapter in my career is coming to an end. Since 2015, Guangzhou Evergrande has given me trust and confidence in my abilities. 74 goals, 172 games and 8 titles are a true reflection of the fruits of our partnership. My work and personal life have been full of excitement and specialness over the years, and I will treasure these wonderful memories forever. The new crown epidemic has profoundly changed the world landscape, and unfortunately, it has forced me to bid an early farewell to the team. Although my heart is full of sadness, I am leaving with a sense of 'mission accomplished'. I would like to thank the club, my colleagues and the friends I have made in my country! Guangzhou Evergrande, thank you! China, thank you!"
Paulinho has played twice for Guangzhou since 2015, winning three Chinese Super League titles, one AFC Champions League and two Super Cups for the team, making him a monumental figure for the team. The Brazilian has a special significance for Guangzhou and the Chinese Super League as a whole, and in 2017, he moved from Guangzhou to Barcelona for €40 million, becoming the first top European giants to be imported directly from the Chinese Super League, with his price appreciating several times from when Guangzhou initially brought him in.
In the 2018 season, Cannavaro once again coached Guangzhou, facing the double pressure of falling behind Shanghai Hong Kong in the league and an early exit from the AFC Champions League. After the World Cup, Guangzhou once again brought Paulinho back from Barcelona to continue the legend. After the training in Barcelona, Paulinho's strength further improved, from the previous midfielder to the front line killer, consecutive seasons leading the goal scorer list, and even once topped the Chinese Super League scorer list.
In the 2020 season, with Zheng Zhi fading out of the starting lineup, Paulinho became the captain of the team, and his leadership and on-field performances allowed Guangzhou to reclaim the CSL title once again. However, as he got older, he gradually lost his starting position in the 2021 season, but still contributed goals for the team at crucial moments. Unfortunately, Guangzhou failed to defend their Chinese Super League title in that season.
Paulinho's career with Guangzhou was full of honors and achievements, and he used his strength and perseverance to explain what the true spirit of soccer is. Although he has left the Guangzhou team, his figure and story will remain in the hearts of the fans forever.
