Footballer's staggering admission after destroying $880,000 car
Brazilian footballer Paulinho says he won't have any hesitations splashing out on a new sportscar despite destroying his $880,000 McLaren.
Video has emerged on social media showing the aftermath of the crash involving Paulo Henrique Santos - better known as Paulinho.
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Paulinho lost control of the orange McLaren in wet conditions in Ceilandia, Brazil, smashing into a tree.
The 27-year-old, who plays in the Chinese Super League for Shanghai Port, walked away from the wreck without any injuries.
However the McLaren 600LT suffered extensive damage, and Paulinho said he would rather buy a brand new one than having it repaired.
The footballer told Brazilian media that he is already planning on buying a new one.
“We’re already looking at another McLaren," he said.
"We have photos and videos of one we like.
Wife Daiany added: “He’s really liked that car and dreams about buying another.
“The one he crashed can be repaired but they would have to import the parts and it would cost a lot of money to fix.
“It would also take time and energy and Paulinho needs to concentrate on his football and on being a good professional.”
Paulinho denies claims he was speeding
The McLaren 600LT is valued at AU$880,000 and can reach a top speed of 328km/h.
The supercar can reach 160km/h in just 9.7 seconds.
However the 27-year-old has denied claims by witnesses that he was speeding, saying he simply lost control in the wet conditions when he tried to accelerate past a slower vehicle.
“People have talked about me doing 110 miles per hour but if that was true, I wouldn’t be here to tell the story," he said.
“The most important thing is I am okay.”
Daiany said: “The road was wet and Paulinho wasn’t going fast as some people have claimed.
"It was more because of the rain that the car skidded and went up the curb onto the grass.”
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