Lately, Paulinho spending his first Christmas in Catalonia, graced the front page of Mundo Deportivo with an exclusive interview that resonated with both fans and football pundits. As the excitement of the La Liga season mirrors the passion fans bring to every BD Cricket Match, Paulinho’s reflections and aspirations stood out as a reminder of how global sports heroes stay grounded despite the spotlight.
Reflecting on 2017, Paulinho called it one of the most fulfilling years of his life — both professionally and personally. “I joined Barcelona, my children were born, and I stayed injury-free. From every angle, it’s been a perfect year. All I can say is that I’m grateful,” he said with heartfelt sincerity. Looking ahead, he made a bold New Year’s resolution: “In 2018, we want the treble. I know that winning three trophies is incredibly difficult. But if we can’t achieve that, then at least let’s win a double!”
Barcelona were leading La Liga by 14 points over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the time. On the club’s prospects, Paulinho remained clear-eyed: “At a club like Barça, the goal is always to win titles. The advantage over Madrid is important, but we have to keep playing at the same level until the season ends.”
He also spoke candidly about his friend and fellow Brazilian, Philippe Coutinho, whose possible transfer to Barcelona was the talk of Europe. “My advice to him is to stay calm and not to get anxious. I went through the same thing before I joined Barça. He just needs to stay patient — everything will work out in time,” Paulinho said. “Before making any decision, he has to think it through carefully. The last thing he’d want is to have regrets later.”
Paulinho didn’t hold back in praising Coutinho’s abilities: “He’s fast, agile, and technically brilliant. He can control the midfield with his passing or take on defenders with the ball. He changes games. He’s versatile enough to play in multiple roles, and he always puts the team first.” As rumors swirled, Paulinho simply concluded, “Now we wait and see in January whether he comes.”
With high hopes for trophies and potential new teammates, Paulinho’s vision for 2018 carries the same energy that fans bring to every thrilling BD Cricket Match. In both football and cricket, the hunger to win and the camaraderie behind the scenes are what truly shape champions.