Despite this reported confidence in Paul's predictions, there are still mixed feelings about the mollusc's so-called powers.

Visotor, said, "Where I come from, people can predict a lot of things as well and we should start believing that."

Visotor, said, "I don't believe in it. It is pretty remarkable but what can you do? Unfortunately he was right."

So what next for Paul? Reports that two Spanish businessmen have offered ￡25,000 for him have been dismissed by his keepers. After a month of hard work, the celebrity octopus is heading into retirement.

Daniel Fey, "Sea Lefe" Entertainment Supervisor, said, "Paul now wants to say good-bye to the whole world. He really enjoyed all the media interest and now he is just returning to his old job. We have to remember that he is quite old now. Two and a half years is quite old for an octopus."

So while Spain have arrived home to victory celebrations, Paul the Octopus is choosing to make a discreet exit from World Cup fever.