Gabriel Paulista emotional over Corinthians move: "It's a dream" | OneFootball

The defender Gabriel Paulista was introduced this Monday as a new addition to Corinthians. In a press conference at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, the player spoke about his relationship with the alvinegro club and couldn't hold back his tears.

Gabriel Paulista was moved when recalling the story of his brother, Rogério. Known as 'Risada', he was killed by police officers and influenced the defender to support Timão. The player described joining Corinthians as a "dream" and revealed that he had already been talking with the club's former football executive, Fabinho Soldado.

"It's a childhood dream. I am a Corinthians fan, and in recent days this feeling has grown even stronger. I already wanted to be here, I had conversations with Renan [Bloise], with Fabinho too. It wasn't easy to give up what I had achieved, but money is not as important as being close to family. I reached an agreement with Besiktas and started talking to Corinthians. We reached a happy ending, fulfilling a dream," said the 35-year-old athlete.

"I still can't believe it. I really wanted one person to be here with me, my brother. He influenced me to be a Corinthians fan. He tried to be a football player and couldn't, I fulfilled his dream. I'm here to fulfill his dream, he was a fan, part of Gaviões. That influenced me to come here and defend this sacred mantle," he added.

(Photo: André Costa/Gazeta Press)

High Anxiety

Gabriel Paulista received offers from other clubs in Brazil, but didn't even want to listen. He prioritized Corinthians and says he is eager to debut wearing Timão's jersey.

"There was always interest from both sides, but Corinthians couldn't sign anyone. Some clubs knew I wanted to return to Brazil, I had interesting offers from here, but I didn't want them. I told my agent I didn't want to listen. My agent started talking to Marcelo [Paz], he explained the difficulties the club was facing. I gave up a contract, I think this one is worth more, regardless of the values. It's my dream. I left everything behind to achieve this," he commented.

"Sometimes I can't even believe it. If I'm dreaming, I never want to wake up. The anxiety increases every day. When I was already in talks, I couldn't sleep. I eagerly await playing the next game and doing my best with this jersey. Of all the clubs I've played for, this is the biggest. I hope to stay here for a long time and win titles," he concluded.

Ready to Play

Gabriel Paulista had been a starter at Besiktas and says he is physically well. The defender stated that he is available for Dorival Júnior for Corinthians' next game in the Campeonato Paulista, against Red Bull Bragantino.

"In recent years, I had physical problems, which is normal. I managed to recover and get back in shape. I feel good. The Brazilian calendar is more challenging, with many games, but I've been preparing. I was training at Besiktas, so I don't think it will be a problem. I'm ready if Dorival needs me in the next game," said the athlete, who had a conversation with Dorival.

"The conversation with Dorival was quick. He asked me how I was, when my last game was. Physically I'm well, I came to Brazil and continued training. I have no physical problems, it's more about adapting to the group," he concluded.

First Reinforcement

Gabriel Paulista is the first reinforcement for Corinthians for the 2026 season. The club was allowed to register new players again after paying off the debt with Santos Laguna, from Mexico, and lifting the FIFA transfer ban.

The 35-year-old player was seen by the management as a market opportunity. He arrives to compete for a position with André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, João Pedro Tchoca, Cacá, and Félix Torres. The latter is in talks with Internacional and might be leaving.

The player started his career at Vitória and transferred to Villarreal in the 2013/14 season. Since then, he hasn't left Europe. He also played for Arsenal, Valencia, and Atlético de Madrid before joining Besiktas.

In the current European season, he played 17 matches for the Turkish team, 16 as a starter.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.