He told Globo Esporte: “I have no idea where this information has come from. We are at an important stage in Corinthians’ history and this information will not disrupt us. Money doesn’t buy everything. It could be a lot of money, but if the player is smart and has ambition like Paulinho does, then money will not be enough.”
Corinthians are the current Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores champions and the coach is keen to keep the player at the club not just for the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup in Japan, but also for the longer haul.
“Everyone wants him, but that changes nothing. Corinthians come first. The biggest asset a club has is their players and their achievements here. I want him to stay and I praise Paulinho’s intelligence. When he decided to stay here, he increased the value of everybody.
“He is at a club where he is settled, in a system that suits him, so his career will continue to grow.”
The 24-year-old has 6 caps for the Brazil national team and recently signed a new 4-year contract for the Timão.
