Paulinho set for Tottenham Hotspur after Corinthians press conference

In a teary press conference, Paulinho said goodbye to Corinthians on Monday. He is expected to sign for Tottenham Hotspur for a transfer fee of around £17m. Portuguese-language outlet Globo Esporte had quotes from his press conference.

"É difícil falar num momento como esse (longa pausa). Mas tenho certeza de que foram três anos maravilhosos na minha carreira, de conquistas, de trabalhar com pessoas corretas, coerentes, que sempre me ajudaram. O que tenho para falar do Corinthians é que até logo. Daqui a pouco eu volto. Por tudo que vocês fizeram por mim."

Paraphrasing, he said that it's difficult to say this after three great years, working with great people and achieving things at the club, but he'll be leaving Corinthians. He also vowed to return to the club someday. Club president Roberto Andrade had the following to say.

"Quero aproveitar para dar nossos imensos agradecimentos ao Paulinho, por tudo que ele fez pelo Corinthians. Jamais será esquecido por todos nós. A grande pessoa que ele é, muito merecido o título pela Seleção. O Corinthians se orgulha muito de ter no seu elenco um jogador como ele, nada mais justo do que ele seguir a vida num clube inglês, conhecer uma cultura nova."

Again, paraphrasing, he said that he wants to thank Paulinho, who has been immense, for everything he did for Corinthians. He'll never be forgotten, he's a great person, and he deserves to play for Brazil. Corinthians is proud to have had him, and he's happy that he gets to go play in England and experience a new culture.

All that's left is an official announcement from Tottenham Hotspur, which probably isn't far off. This has now stepped out of rumor territory. Paulinho is going to become a Spurs player.