Gabriel Paulista to face boyhood club Vitória, whose academy building bears his image | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Corinthians defender Gabriel Paulista will meet boyhood club Vitória for the first time on Saturday.

Vitória is renowned for producing talent, and Gabriel's image is immortalised on the building that carries the club's motto.

A product of Vitória's Toca do Leão, he was sold to Villareal in 2013. The ties did not end, he returned on occasions and underwent treatment there in 2016 while playing for Arsenal.

That same year the club chose to honour him, placing his likeness on the façade of the Centro Integrado de Medicina Esportiva Epifânio Carneiro, used exclusively by the youth ranks.

Gabriel made 141 appearances for Vitória, winning the Campeonato Baiano in 2010 and 2013 and the Copa do Nordeste in 2010. The reunion at Barradão is set for 20:00 Brasília time in the 12th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Globo.com