Lucas Paqueta, a playmaker for West Ham and Brazil, has been questioned in public on the betting investigation into him and his ongoing ties to Manchester City, the Premier League winners under Pep Guardiola.
Regarding the betting investigation that ended any possibility of a summer transfer to Manchester City, Lucas Paqueta has spoken out.
The 26-year-old West Ham player is still being looked at for any gambling offenses. But he is back in the Brazil team for Saturday’s friendly against England at Wembley, having missed the previous three teams.
Dorival Junior, the former Flamengo coach who took over as the national team manager in January, has called him back. At a press conference, Paqueta stated that he was directed by law “not to comment” on the betting inquiry. However, he did address his mental state and the impact the investigation had on his performances in claret and blue.
“It’s been seven months and I’m cooperating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved,” he said to the media on Wednesday. For the first time since the probe was made public, Paqueta acknowledged in public: “At first, it was difficult. But I can live with that now that I’ve matured psychologically.
“I’ve moved past that, and I can now concentrate on my performances. Everything I’d left behind, not related to football. My priorities are to practice, perform, and improve my shows.
He also praised the manager of the Hammers, saying, “David Moyes has been special for me.” We get along well, me and him. We discussed this. Because of what I did the previous season, he wanted me to join the team.
“I believe it was significant because I have improved and evolved during this season. My development from the previous season to this one was significant. Without a doubt, the assistance was crucial in enabling me to move on from all of this.
City is still interested in Paqueta, who has an £85 million buyout clause in his contract that will activate this summer. If a club meets that amount when the current season ends, West Ham will not be able to obstruct his progress. Paqueta was cautious with his remarks after receiving criticism from certain Hammers supporters for hugging City manager Pep Guardiola prior to a match at the London Stadium the previous season.
“I hold my club, West Ham, in high regard,” he declared. “I’m hoping for a successful season finale. We want to win the Europa League and use the Premier League to get into Europe once more.
“I’ve had an excellent season, which has greatly aided in my development in the Premier League. Therefore, I believe that I must continue working and remaining focused on my duties at West Ham out of respect for them.”
