Paulista: "I want to play for Spain at Euro 2021"

Gabriel Paulista's nationalisation process has almost been completed, with the player set to obtain a Spanish once he swears on the constitution in the coming days.

The Valencia CF defender dreams of playing for the Spain national team, and spoke to VCF Media about the decision to gain Spanish nationality.

"I’ve been waiting a long time for this great moment. Obviously I’m very happy -as are my family. I’m going to continue to enjoy this beautiful country and city," said Paulista, born in Brazil but now a veteran at Valencia CF.

"I’m going to keep on working hard at this club, trying to also attract the attention of the national team coach. I want to play for Spain in the European Championships."

"I have no words to express to this club, and to all of you, what it means to me," he continued. "From day one I’ve been respected a lot, and the fans have great affection for me. That gives me more strength and desire to work hard, fighting for this club. I want to spend many more years here, fighting until my final day, when I can’t run anymore! I want to enjoy everything: The city, this incredible country…

"Thank you to everybody and thank you to Valencia CF and the fans."

Up next is a LaLiga fixture this coming Monday against SD Eibar, which Paulista warns will be no easy game.
"Next Monday’s game is another tough one. It’s a difficult place to go and play. They have some very good strikers up top, who are able to hold the ball up, so we will have to be very well positioned.

"We have our minds focused on this game. We are going to do what the coach has instructed us, and we have to analyse how they play very well. We are going to look for the three points, which is the most important thing for us."