"Messi has realised that Paulinho's presence benefits him at Barça"

He took Paulinho to China, helped him return to the national team and then sign for Barcelona... Luiz Felipe Scolari, has spoken exclusively to SPORT about the Brazilian's move to Camp Nou.

Were you surprised Barça signed Paulinho from Guangzhou?

Yes... but after, when I have watched Barça, I understand why Valverde wanted him. In his understanding of the game, Paulinho was fundamental and that's being seen. 

In what sense? 

Barça have a style of play and Paulinho, at certain moments, can break that with his directness and his ability to score goals, to arrive in the box, to run in a different way to how Barça do. Valverde wanted that transition and was so insistent that Barça ended up paying his buyout clause. 

How and when did you find out about the interest?

Paulinho told me. Our relationship is exceptional, we worked together with Brazil and when I went to Guangzhou he was the first signing I asked for. It damaged me un the end because we were left without him in the Asian Champions League, but I understood that he wanted to leave and helped him.  

Paulinho has started well at Barça…

People have the wrong idea about Chinese football. Today, the Brazil national tream plays with two midfielders in Renato Augusto, who is still in China, and Paulinho. These players make the difference. They're good people, they like what they do and they're completely dedicated.

Do you think his personality and hard work has enabled the Leo Messi connection?

I am sure that Messi has realised that, seeing how Paulinho works every day and looking and what he does for the group, his presence is good for him. Paulinho's strength, directness and motivation benefits everyone.