Paulinho backed to join... Real Madrid!

Real Madrid legendary left-back Roberto Carlos was asked about Paulinho's potential Barca move, and he admitted it looked complicated: 'A lot has been said about Paulinho to Barcelona. It's complicated... We'll see if the club [Guangzhou Evergrande] let him leave', he said.

But when asked where he would prefer Paulinho to play, Carlos had no doubt: 'I like Paulinho very much. If I had to choose between Madrid and Barca, I would choose Madrid', he declared.

The reason? He believes the midfielder would be a better fit for Real Madrid's style due to his qualities. 'He has many of Casemiro's features, with a bit more presence in attack...', Roberto Carlos explained.

Paulinho's future is still uncertain, and Roberto Carlos wanted to wish him good luck. 'Now he has to wait. I wish him all the best. He is one of Brazil's captains and I know him very well. We shall see what happens', he concluded.