Paulinho leaves Guangzhou FC for not being able to enter China

The former Barcelona player is now a free agent and will be able to sign for another team

Brazilian soccer player José Paulo Bezerra, known as Paulinho, announced his departure from Chinese Guangzhou FC due to the impossibility of returning to the Asian country by travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his official Instagram account, the midfielder, known in Europe for his time in Barcelona and Tottenham, makes it clear that it is an “early dismissal” but that “unfortunately, the pandemic profoundly alters global dynamics“.

“Due to the pandemic, both myself and the club thought it was best to reach an agreement. So, here my cycle as a Guangzhou player ends. Know that you will always be in my heart“Paulinho explained in a video.

The footballer recalled his time at Guangzhou FC -formerly known as Guangzhou Evergrande-, with which he played 172 games, scored 74 goals and won eight titles during his two stages (2015-17 and 2018-20).

The Chinese media speak of the feelings of sadness of the Cantonese fans at the departure of the Brazilian, but point out that it is also a “great financial relief” for Guangzhou FC after the latest rules approved by the Chinese Federation, which place at 600 million yuan (92.8 million dollars, 78.2 million euros) the annual maximum that each club can spend.

Paulinho, 33, thus joins his compatriot Talisca, who left Guangzhou FC last month and joined Saudi Al-Nassr.

The player is now a free agent and will be able to sign for another team, but for now he has not revealed what his next destination will be.