Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have both been name-checked by a Brazil international this week. Right-back Paulo Henrique, currently with Vasco da Gama, joked that he’s been trying to recruit two Premier League players for his club.
Speaking to Globo Esporte after Brazil’s 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, the 29-year-old revealed that both Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle and Richarlison from Tottenham are Vasco fans. And that he’s been playfully working to convince them to join him at São Januário.
“The group welcomed me really well. There were some guys I already knew, who I’d played against in Rio,” Paulo Henrique said.
“And there’s also Bruno Guimarães and Richarlison, who are Vasco fans. I’m trying to take both of them to Vasco!” he said.
Paulo Henrique, who scored in his first start for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti, returns to Vasco with his profile on the rise. His strong performance against Japan and relaxed demeanour in front of the media have earned him positive attention back home.
The right-back is now expected to consolidate his place as one of the leading domestic options for future call-ups. In the meanwhile, fans will no doubt enjoy his light-hearted recruitment pitch to the Newcastle and Tottenham stars.