Paulinho calls time on career

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Former Barcelona and Brazil international midfielder Paulinho announced his retirement on Sunday after a professional career spanning 18 years.

The 36-year-old had been without a club since June, when his contract expired with Brazilian Serie A club Corinthians.

"It's difficult to say that I'm now an ex-footballer," Paulinho said in a video posted on social media.