Lucas Paqueta, the West Ham playmaker, has spoken out about the betting probe that stopped his move to Manchester City last summer. The 26-year-old is still being investigated for alleged gambling breaches.
After missing three Brazil squads in a row, he’s back playing for his country in Saturday’s friendly against England at Wembley. His old coach at Flamengo, Dorival Junior, who became national team boss in January, has recalled the playmaker despite the investigation.
Paqueta said he was told “not to comment” on the betting investigation for legal reasons. But he did talk about how he feels and how the probe has affected his performances for West Ham.
“I was told not to comment on this subject,” Paqueta told a packed Brazil press conference. ‘”It’s been seven months since it’s been happened and I’m co-operating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved.’
Paqueta’s move to City broke down in the wake of the revelations but Pep Guardiola is understood still to be happy to wait for the playmaker. Paqueta is believed to be seen as the long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva, and has an £86million release clause in his contract which kicks in this summer. City, however, would be reluctant to activate that while the investigation continues.
Paqueta admitted: “In the beginning it was hard. But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances. Everything outside of football I left behind. My focus is on training, playing and developing my performances.
“David Moyes has been special for me. I have a good relationship with him. We talked about this. He wanted me on the team because of what I did last season.”
“I think it was important because I have grown this season and have got better and better. My evolution was important from last season to this one. Without a shadow of doubt, the support allowed me to leave all this behind, it was essential.”
After getting some fans upset for hugging City’s manager Pep Guardiola before a match, Paqueta was careful with his words when asked about his future.
“I have a lot of respect for my club, which is West Ham,” he added. “I hope we have a good end to the season. We hope to qualify for Europe again through the Premier League and try to win the Europa League.”
“I’ve been having a very good season and that has helped me a lot in my evolution in the Premier League. So I think that out of respect for them I have to stay focused on my duty at West Ham and keep working.”
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