FC Barcelona player has confirmed this morning that Thier Star player has announced his retirement during the interntional break

Former FC Barcelona player and Corinthians icon Paulinho announced his retirement from football on social media this weekend.

In a heartfelt video, Paulinho expressed that he felt “privileged to have been a multi-champion and win important things,” and noted his participation in two World Cups and playing for a prestigious club like Barcelona.

“I left a great legacy,” the seasoned midfielder said. “In my last match with Corinthians, in front of 45 thousand Corinthians fans, I sensed that it would be my final game, and that there was no better way to bid farewell.”

As noted by the Catalans when he signed in 2017, the 36-year-old embarked on a “long journey” that eventually led him to Camp Nou.

Beginning his professional career with Pao De Acucar, he moved to Europe in the mid-to-late 2000s but faced racism in Poland, which led him to return home and consider quitting football.

At Bragantino, however, Paulinho impressed and caught the attention of Sao Paulo giants Corinthians, who took him on a two-year loan before acquiring him permanently in 2012.

After becoming a Brazilian Serie A champion in 2011, Paulinho won the Libertadores and the Club World Cup the following year, which earned him a move to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

His stint in north London was less successful, and Paulinho spent three terms in China with Guangzhou Evergrande.

His transfer to Barcelona in 2017, valued at approximately $44.4 million (€40 million), was initially met with skepticism. However, during his only season at Camp Nou, Paulinho became a fan favorite due to his positive attitude and work ethic, scoring nine goals and contributing to La Liga and Copa Del Rey victories under Ernesto Valverde.

Barcelona was Paulinho’s final European club; he returned to Guangzhou, had a stint with Al-Ahli, and concluded his career with Corinthians this year.

Paulinho’s career, which includes 56 international caps, is one that many Brazilian players who made it across the Atlantic would be proud of.

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta congratulated him on Instagram, calling him “great” and a “brother,” and wishing him “all the best always.”