Brazil midfielder Paulinho returns to Guangzhou Evergrande

Guangzhou July 9 (IANS) Brazil midfielder Paulinho has rejoined Guangzhou Evergrande on loan from FC Barcelona the Chinese Super League (CSL) club said on Monday.
News of the one-year deal came less than three days after Brazil s elimination from the World Cup in Russia reports Xinhua news agency.
"The level of the Chinese Super League has improved year by year and the development prospects are very good " Paulinho told Evergrande s official website.
"I hope to bring more championships to Guangzhou and Guangzhou fans. I also hope to give the Super League more excitement."
Paulinho made 63 league appearances for Guangzhou over three seasons before joining Barcelona for 40 million euros last August.
The 29-year-old played 49 matches and scored nine goals for the Spanish giants in 2017-18 helping them win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
He started in all of Brazil s five matches at the World Cup in Russia including their 2-1 loss to Belgium in Friday s quarter-final.

--IANS pur/mr