“I’m here to help”: Paulinho unveiled, eyes Vasco debut

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Papo na Colina

·13 Juli 2026

“I’m here to help”: Paulinho unveiled, eyes Vasco debut

Vasco officially introduced left-back Paulinho on Monday afternoon as a new signing from América-MG. The 22-year-old player was given the number 29 shirt and signed a long-term contract through December 2029 to strengthen the squad for the rest of the Brazilian football season. During the press conference alongside sporting director Admar Lopes, the player highlighted the scale of the challenge:

“I’m very happy about the contact with Vasco. We know how big this club is, and a project that really pleased me was presented to me. It’s a project I’m very eager to be part of here. I admit I couldn’t wait to get here. And now it’s about keeping up the work day by day, every week, and continuing on that path.”

The new signing had been on the club’s radar since last year, having agreed to a pre-contract back in February. He arrives to compete directly for a place in defense, where the current options are Lucas Piton and Cuiabano. Last season with his former club, left-back Paulinho played 22 matches, scored three goals, and provided two assists, earning a regular starting spot toward the end of the first half of the year. Asked about the battle for the starting role on the left, the player was very direct:

Video OneFootball

“I know the quality of Cuiabano, Piton, and the other players in the squad. I’m here to help Vasco achieve all of its goals. While I’m here, I’ll help at left-back or in any position the coach needs me. I’m available.”

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Competition for places and the pressure of playing for Vasco

The defender also commented on his physical resemblance to forward Gabriel Pec and sent a message about his style:

“A lot of people have already mentioned Pec to me, the resemblance to him. I hope to bring joy to the Vasco fans. You can expect a guy with a lot of desire on and off the pitch. I’m not going to be someone involved in off-field controversy, everyone can be sure of that. And I hope to bring joy on the pitch — I’ll give my life for this shirt.”

Asked about the pressure of taking over the position at a difficult moment in the Série A table, the player dismissed any kind of fear.

“Man, like you said, right? I was at América, and I came here. It’s a giant club. In my mind, from the very first moment, from the first contact with Admar, it was all about gratitude, you know? You know how hard we work to achieve big things, right? Little by little, step by step. But I’m very calm. I believe my mind is well prepared, focused on the club’s day-to-day so I can do what I know how to do, which is play football. And that’s what I’m here for. I don’t really see it as pressure, you know? I see it as a privilege to be here, to be able to help and keep doing what I love most,” the player said.

He also made the squad’s objective clear:

“I know the weight of the Vasco shirt. I’m arriving in the middle of the season with a clear objective: Vasco will fight to be champions in every competition we play in, that’s the club’s DNA. Of course there’s pressure, yes — that comes with the size of the club. I’m calm. I want to help and contribute all the time. In the second half of the season, we’re going to recover, God willing.”

Paulinho is introduced at Vasco – Photo: X account of journalist Pedro Cobalea/Lance

Working with Pedro Emanuel and goals in the Brasileirão

Monday also marked the squad’s first contact with newly hired Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel. The full-back took part in the field training session and commented on his first impression of the new coaching staff on the pitch:

“There hasn’t been much contact yet. Today was the first training session with him. You can see he has an ambitious mindset and is very willing to help us a lot. My conversation with him was very brief, but I’m here to help in whatever way is needed.”

Left-back Paulinho also detailed his characteristics for Vasco fans:

“I’m a more attack-minded full-back, I can get to the byline well, I have a good cross, and I’m quick. I help defensively too. I’m here to help. I want to grow every day so we can reach our goals.”

With the player’s arrival, the club’s board is trying to give the tactical setup more options in order to spark a quick turnaround and climb the competition standings. Paulinho is already training normally with his teammates at CT Moacyr Barbosa and is only waiting for his name to be registered in the BID so he can make his official debut.

The fans are eagerly waiting to see the new signings on the pitch so that Vasco can improve its performances and move up the national league table.

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