Barcelona midfielder Paulinho has claimed both Neymar and Lionel Messi were influential in him joining the club this summer.
The Brazilian international moved to the Camp Nou in a €40m deal from Guangzhou Evergrande and he has explained how the star forwards persuaded him to make the move.
“During negotiations, Neymar told me to join the club because I would be happy and I would like it,” Paulinho told Globoesporte.
“He encouraged me and tried to ensure the deal was come quickly and despite the fact he was leaving, was persuasive in my decision.
“We have started the season really well and that helps, I’m aiming to improve every day and our current run of form helps.
“During a match with Argentina, he (Messi) came towards me and said ‘Come to Barcelona’, then I looked at him and said ‘If you want me to come, I will’.”
