Neymar reacts as ex-Brazil & Barcelona star Paulinho announces retirement from football in emotional video

The former Brazil, Barcelona and Tottenham midfielder has hung up his boots at the age of 36. Paulinho broke down in tears while announcing his decision in a moving video on Instagram. He represented the Brazil national team in 56 international games, scoring 13 times between 2011 and 2018. Paulinho last played for his hometown club Corinthians, whom he joined in 2022.

The veteran midfielder could barely speak as he choked up while facing the camera. He started the announcement video by saying: "It's difficult. My name is Jose Paulo Bezerra Maciel Junior, 36 years old, and now a former player. I’m a blessed and privileged guy. I flew in my career during the 30 years I had in football, in my home, as I say, right? The pitch was my home for me."

Paulinho added on his post-retirement plans: "My goals are to represent my country, to compete in another World Cup, as a manager, and the Champions League."

Paulinho's former team-mate and Selecao star Neymar reacted to the video that the player posted on Instagram. The Al-Hilal star, who shared a dressing room with the midfielder for seven years in the national team, left a teary-eyed emoji and heart emoji in the comment section.

Neymar is still recovering from the ACL injury that he suffered last year and is not expected to return to training before November. Portuguese outlet Record recently reported that Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus is not keen on registering Neymar at least until January as he wants all of his foreign players to be in action for the club until the winter break in the Saudi Pro League.