Paulinho returns to Corinthians before World Cup

Rio de Janeiro, May 17 (IANS) Brazil international midfielder Paulinho has returned to his former club Corinthians to maintain his fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur player will train with the Sao Paulo-based side until Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad meet here May 26, reports Xinhua.

"It's a great pleasure to train at Corinthians and even more so because I'm preparing for a World Cup," Paulinho said Friday.

"I was fortunate to have one of the happiest times of my life at Corinthians and it's going to be good for me (to be back)."

Paulinho played a key role in Corinthians' 2012 Copa Libertadores-FIFA Club World Cup double.

Last July he was sold to Tottenham for 17.5 million pounds and he scored six times from 30 league appearances in his first season at the London club.