Paulinho Ronaldo BarcelonaGetty

Ronaldo taught Paulinho 'a lot' as Brazilian makes his own mark at Barcelona

Paulinho is making a positive impression at Barcelona having learned “a lot” from legendary countryman and former Camp Nou sensation Ronaldo.

The 29-year-old midfielder secured a €40 million move to Catalunya over the summer, with the former Tottenham man returned to Europe from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.

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Eyebrows were raised when Barca launched their bid for the Samba star, but Paulinho’s has been an eventful career.

Now gracing the very highest level of the game, he admits that he was helped on the path to stardom by an iconic figure in his younger years at Corinthians.

"My first steps in football came thanks to my big brother who taught me the game," Paulinho told Barcelona’s official website.

"At Corinthians, I had the pleasure to play with Ronaldo who also taught me a lot."

Ronaldo was approaching the end of his illustrious playing career when Paulinho joined the Sao Paulo club in 2010.

He was, however, still a regular source of goals, with the World Cup winner having previously dazzled for PSV, Barca, Inter, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Paulinho Barcelona

Whatever he said to Paulinho during their time together, it clearly worked.

A current regular for the Brazil national team, he has settled quickly at Barca, taking in 14 appearances to date while silencing those critics who questioned whether he was of the required standard.

"A lot of people felt it was difficult for me to come to Barca because I was playing in China," Paulinho added.

"Nevertheless, I have achieved my dream and I am enjoying each day.

"Since the very first day I have been welcomed in the best way possible. There is a great, happy family atmosphere here. 

"I have settled in well thanks to the great reception I have had."

Paulinho has had to work hard in rebuilding his reputation, although he claims to have no regrets despite seeing a previous stint in Europe deliver a forgettable two-year stint in England.

"At Tottenham, I enjoyed the first year but the second was tough,” he said.

“Yet, I don't regret moving and I would do it again.”

Paulinho will be back in London on Tuesday when Brazil take in a glamour friendly date with England at Wembley Stadium, with a side strongly fancied to claim a sixth global crown in Russia next summer counting down the days to the 2018 World Cup.

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