RIO DE JANEIRO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Brazil international midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso has revealed he almost quit soccer after early setbacks in his professional career.

The 22-year-old made his debut for Santos at the age of 18 in 2008 but spent long periods of his first season struggling for form in the club's reserve team.

"I was given opportunities but wasn't confident of being able to make it," Ganso told Esporte Espetacular. "It got me down and at one stage I thought about going back to study."

After an improved 2009 season, Ganso emerged as one of the finest talents in the game in 2010. He is now an important member of Brazil's national squad having been given the prized No.10 shirt during last year's Copa America tournament in Argentina.