Lucas Paqueta has revealed how close he was to leaving West Ham in the summer – but not Aston Villa.
The Brazil international endured a summer of speculation, particularly when the Villans offered £47m for his services, but he ultimately stayed at the London Stadium.
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But now he has revealed that it was another club he really wanted to join: the youth club Flamengo.
The 28-year-old made his breakthrough with the Rio de Janeiro club, who are now one of the best teams outside Europe under former Chelsea player Filipe Luis, who led them to the Copa Libertadores final.
But it was her former vice president, Marcos Braz, who convinced.
Attacking midfielder Paqueta told Brazilian magazine Globo: “The first moment was when Braz was still at Flamengo, there was this contact.”
“I know Flamengo’s desire and they know my desire, my passion for the club, so it’s something that always happens.”
Why did Paqueta stay at West Ham?
However, Paqueta subsequently stated that he was too loyal to West Ham because they had supported him during a Football Association investigation into spot-fixing, a charge of which he was later acquitted.
He continued: “As soon as I was charged and the whole trial was about to begin, Braz came to my house, made the offer and asked what I thought about it.
“Of course I always want to come back to Flamengo, but at that moment I was still a bit undecided about my decision about what to do.
“Then I also spoke to the director of West Ham and said: ‘Braz, I want to go back, I know I will feel good at Flamengo, but I can’t be ungrateful to the club that supports me so much.’
“They were very supportive at all times and helped me in various situations, so I couldn’t force the place where I was welcomed and respected.
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“They respected me, my wife, my family. So I said, ‘I want you to solve this.’ But yes, this exchange with Flamengo took place.”
The FA investigation scuppered an earlier move for Paqueta when he was in advanced talks with Manchester City in the summer of 2024.
When West Ham fended off interest from Villa in the summer, he once again expressed his feelings towards the club by hanging up the phone after scoring in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in August.
However, Paqueta went on to admit that he had considered a move, but only against Flamengo.
“Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but I’ve had a few conversations with Filipe [Luis]who, in addition to his work at Flamengo, is a friend,” he added.
“I really expressed my desire to return and showed that to my agents.
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“It was a difficult decision because I’m 28 years old, so very young, and I still have a lot of market value outside of here. I did my job well, but it was a very strong desire.”
“And I tried very hard, but unfortunately I have once again decided to respect my club and not force anything, because it is a club that has supported me and for which I have great affection.”
“So I let it happen, and it really didn’t happen. I understand it wasn’t the right time, but I know the doors will always be open for me. I know that return will happen at some point.”
That exit could come sooner than some West Ham fans would like, with Paqueta hinting at an exit after his Forest goal.
In an Instagram post, he wrote: “It’s about staying faithful, not only when you had everything, but even when there was nothing… it’s not time to say goodbye yet! Let’s go one more season together!”
The No. 10’s contract expires in 2027, meaning West Ham may have their last chance of securing a transfer fee for him next summer.