Brazil midfielder Paulinho confirmed he has agreed a transfer to Tottenham from Corinthians in a deal worth €20 million (£17 million, $26 million).
Paulinho was expected to leave for Spurs after Corinthians admitted they had accepted a bid from the English Premier League club, and now that the 24-year-old's commitments with Brazil are over following the conclusion of the Confederations Cup, the player himself has confirmed he is all set to move to England.
"There was also interest from Inter Milan, but the only offer came from Tottenham," he told reporters at a press conference.
"The proposal came, we sat down, analyzed it and decided. It was a big decision to go to a big club. There comes a certain point when you need new challenges."
Paulinho was all praise for Corinthians and expects to one day return to the Brazilian club.
"It's hard to say anything at a moment like this, but I am sure those were three wonderful years in my career, with many titles," he added.
"What I have to say to Corinthians fans, board and staff is 'see you soon' - I will be back in no time, due to everything they have done for me.
"My individual titles are all thanks to the club, Corinthians will be in my heart for the rest of my life."
Corinthians director of football Roberto Di Andrade thanked the midfielder for his services to the club and wished him the best at Tottenham.
"I want to thank Paulinho for everything he has done for Corinthians," Andrade said.
"We will never forget him -- the great person he is -- and his national team title (the Confederations Cup with Brazil) is well-deserved.
"Corinthians are proud for having had a player like him. It's fair he continues his life at an English club, to know a new culture."
Paulinho is now expected to travel to Tottenham to complete a medical and officially sign off on the move, with the midfielder therefore set to miss out on Cortinthians' Recopa Sudamericana (equivalent of the UEFA Super Cup) games with Sao Paulo. The first leg of the two-legged tie is set for Wednesday.
"I will not play in the Recopa because there are contractual requirements of Tottenham which cannot be discussed here," he said.
"It was a decision that we all respect. Of course, I had a huge desire to win another title but the transfer has to be completed."
