Paulista’s former club show pride in their favourite son

A goal for Gabriel Paulista on Matchday 1 of the LaLiga season had the Brazilian’s phone blowing up on Sunday night, as message after message of congratulations poured in. The centre back is not the most prolific of scorers, but has a host of friends, family and fans in his homeland keen to celebrate whenever he finds the net.

More than 8,500km away from Valencia, in the Jardim Mitsutani neighbourhood of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Paulista began his career with Esporte Clube Eledy, and there they watch their favourite son in action whenever possible.

Neither has the VCF star forgotten his roots. He helps out his former club by providing equipment and training kit for them, collaborating with his ex-coach Clebinho.

Paulista is a hero in his neighbourhood, and EC Eledy have recognised his contributions by putting his name on the front of their shirts. On their 44th anniversary, they are putting together some shirts which will display his personal logo in every game. In the meantime, they will be tuning in to watch Valencia CF’s league games to see their idol in action.