Tottenham Hostpur midfielder Paulinho has revealed that he came close to quitting the game after suffering racist abuse during his spell with Lithuanian side FC Vilnius.

The Brazil international spent a season in Eastern Europe before moving to Polish side LKS Lodz for a further season, but revealed that he struggled to settle in Europe during his first spell on the continent.

"When I went to Europe the first time, I suffered problems in Lithuania with racism," Paulinho told The Mirror. "For two particular games, the fans were making monkey noises and throwing coins at me. I just thought, 'I don't need to tolerate this'. So, I made the decision to move on.

"When I returned to Brazil in 2008, I went three weeks without playing football and I thought about leaving football behind for good.

"I lost hope and confidence. I was ­basically stuck for three weeks and, when you are in this position, that is when ­sadness comes, that's when depression might sink in and, of course, I lost confidence."

However, Paulinho's stock rose as he put in a number of impressive displays for Corinthians, which tempted Spurs to part with £17m for his services.

"It really is a dream come true to play for ­Tottenham in the Premier League," said the 25-year-old. "I looked at other offers from Inter Milan and CSKA Moscow, but came to the conclusion Tottenham would be right for me.

"My main aim, for myself and ­Tottenham, is to have a good ­season and aim for titles."

Paulinho is due to make his White Hart Lane debut in today's match against Swansea City.