Paulista: "This win is for everybody who has helped me to return"

Returning to action with a winning goal, Gabriel Paulista dedicated the 0-1 win over RCD Mallorca to all those who had helped him with his comeback from injury.

The win

It’s a very special day for me. I went through a really tough time and I even heard people saying that I didn’t want to play again, or get back with my teammates. You, my teammates, my family… you all know what happened during this tough time. I have to thank everybody on the team, the coaching staff, physios and all at the club, as well as my friends and family in Brazil. They were all suffering with me, even from afar. I dedicate this win to all of you.

His goal

The ball fell to me and I saw that I had the option of controlling it and shooting. I always tell my teammates: Finish off your chances. That’s the way to avoid counterattacks and danger. I got a good shot off and I’m very happy about what was a great goal.

The Copa del Rey

On Wednesday we have a very important and very beautiful match. The most experienced players have conveyed that today was vital for us going into Wednesday with more confidence. We are going to face the match as if it were a final. It is a very special moment. We already experienced it in 2019 against Real Betis. It was a very special moment and each of us is going to try to do our best to take the team to the final. Mestalla is going to be full. With their help, we are going to have a great game."