A World Cup winner at Hull City? It almost happened, and not when they were in the top-flight either. The 34 year old Juninho Paulista, capped 50 times by Brazil, and with a World Cup winners' medal in his dresser, was enticed by the new Hull City owner Paul Duffen in the summer of 2007, as he looked to sell the club's vision and ambition to the free agent. Within a month of buying the club, Duffen looked to make a signal of intent by bringing the former Middlesbrough magician to Hull, and according to the Brazilian's agent, he was willing to reciprocate.
''Juninho was very impressed with Paul and Phil's plans and it's obvious that Hull are gearing up to get into the Premier League. Hull have got good facilities and a great fanbase, and it's a similar scenario to when Juninho first went to Middlesbrough in 1995.'' - Juninho's agent, Jonathan Hassall, July 2007.
However, within a few weeks, the former Athletico Madrid and Celtic star's proposed move had collapsed, with Duffen citing 'financial aspects' as reasons why the club 'decided it's not a deal we want to do'. With terms having been agreed in principle on a one-year deal to make the Brazilian to club's best-paid player, Hull City boss Phil Brown hinted that the club weren't prepared to 'break the bank and the spirit of the group for any one player'. Predictably, this change of heart did not sit well with Juninho and his representatives.
''We just feel that he's a new guy who has come into football and used Juninho to publicise Hull but then backtracked on what he's said. He wanted a World Cup star and the publicity it has created has got Hull on radio, television and in the newspapers. The interest he's created has been frightening but I fear he has just been used as a marketing tool. But I spoke to Phil Brown last night and he said that his chairman has gone on the radio saying that the deal was off - although he's not had the decency to get in touch with me.'' - Jonathan Hassall, July 2007.
Safe to say Juninho won't be holidaying in Hull anytime soon.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
