'I'd like to make people smile'

Paulinho, you broke your left arm in the game against Belo Horizonte at the start of April and had to have an operation. How's your elbow now?
Paulinho: I've nearly finished with the physiotherapy and I'm just waiting for permission from the doctor for me to play again and lift weights to rebuild lost muscle.

You will be 18 on 15 July. That's when your contract starts at Bayer 04 and then you'll expected in Leverkusen. Are you already excited?
Paulinho: Yes, completely. I think that's normal for an athlete moving to a new country on a new continent. It's just a new phase in my life. I'm really looking forward to it and I'm sure I'll settle in quickly. I want to make the most of this great opportunity.

Have you had contact with any Bayer 04 players? Perhaps with your fellow countrymen Wendell?
Paulinho: Indeed. Wendell wrote to welcome me. He told me to relax and that I would settle in quickly at Bayer 04 and feel at home. And he also told me about the team being on course for the Champions League but unfortunately just missing out in the end.

What are your expectations of the Bundesliga and European football, which  are supposed to be different from the South American game?
Paulinho: The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world. I know I'll have to be fully fit to perform well in Germany. For that reason, I'm already working very hard to improve my fitness and grow stronger.

What are your ambitions?
Paulinho: I've always worked in stages throughout my life – so one step at a time. First of all, I want to get to Germany, become familiar with everything and integrate well at Bayer 04. In terms of football,  I want to produce good performances in the Bundesliga and also, of course, make my contribution to success in the Europa League. I'd like to make Bayer 04 fans smile. My main aim is to regularly experience the Champions League with Leverkusen and also play in other big competitions.

That sounds ambitious for a 17-year-old. Apart from well-known opponents you will face in the Bundesliga and Europa League next season – are you afraid of the competition for places with the Werkself?
Paulinho: No. To make progress, you have to learn from the greats. I want to learn and show that I can play football too.

What you expecting from life in Europe?
Paulinho: Everything I've heard about Europe so far has been very positive. That's why I'm expecting a lot. From the middle of July it will be a dream come true for me.

Will your family join you in Germany?
Paulinho: Yes, my parents and one of my three brothers are coming to Germany with me. I don't know yet whether the other two will be following on. The important thing for me is to support my family. That also applies to everybody else who's helped me up till now. I want repay them.

How difficult will it be for you to say goodbye to your homeland?
Paulinho: It's not easy. But in the past I've worked very hard to become a professional footballer. Fortunately my parents are coming to Germany with me but I will be leaving a lot of friends behind in Brazil. I've already been at Vasco (ed., Vasco da Gama Rio de Janeiro) for eight years – the club is like a second home for me. But, on the other hand, it's somehow a good farewell because I'll soon be starting a new phase of my life and they'll all be crossing their fingers for me.

You've just started learning German. Can you say a few words?
Paulinho: To start with, I'm trying to learn words associated with football and then I'll make progress in the language later on in Germany. But I can already say "bis bald". (He laughs)

Interview by Clicia Jouvin