Ex-Barcelona and Tottenham midfielder Paulinho announces retirement

Former Tottenham, Barcelona and Corinthians midfielder Paulinho has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

The Brazilian international, who represented the national team on 56 occasions, had been a free agent after being released from Corinthians earlier in the summer.

Beginning his career at the Brazilian club, he made 67 appearances for Tottenham before completing a move to Chinese side Guangzhou F.C, from whom he in turn joined Barcelona in a £35m deal two years later.

He went on to register 49 appearances for the Blaugrana, helping them to a league and cup double in 2018 before returning to Chine and ultimately ending his career in his native Brazil.