Brazil midfielder Paulinho returns to Guangzhou Evergrande

Guangzhou : Brazil midfielder Paulinho has rejoined Guangzhou Evergrande on loan from FC Barcelona, the Chinese Super League (CSL) club said on Monday.

News of the one-year deal came less than three days after Brazil's elimination from the World Cup in Russia, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The level of the Chinese Super League has improved year by year and the development prospects are very good," Paulinho told Evergrande's official website.

"I hope to bring more championships to Guangzhou and Guangzhou fans. I also hope to give the Super League more excitement."

Paulinho made 63 league appearances for Guangzhou over three seasons before joining Barcelona for 40 million euros last August.

The 29-year-old played 49 matches and scored nine goals for the Spanish giants in 2017-18, helping them win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

He started in all of Brazil's five matches at the World Cup in Russia, including their 2-1 loss to Belgium in Friday's quarter-final.