At long last – and much to the relief of Karren Brady, Graham Potter and everyone connected with West Ham United – Lucas Paqueta is finally free to kick-start his Premier League career again.
It emerged last week that Paqueta was likely to be cleared of spot-fixing offences following the closure of a trial which had dragged on for two long years.
A charge which not only put his West Ham United future in doubt, but his entire career in jeopardy. The Football Association were pursuing a lifetime ban from the game, after all, provided he was found guilty.
So a tsunami-sized wave of relief will have washed over Lucas Paqueta when his fate was finally revealed on Thursday afternoon.
Lucas Paqueta thanks West Ham United as he’s cleared of spot-fixing
In a statement provided by the club’s official website, the Brazil international expressed his delight after the proverbial Sword of Damocles was removed from above his head.
“Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,” Paqueta says. “I can’t say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.
“To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends and the legal team who have supported me.
“Thank you for everything.”
The uncertainty clearly took its toll on Lucas Paqueta last season.
The former AC Milan, Lyon and Flamengo playmaker broke down in tears after picking up a yellow card against Tottenham Hotspur in May, while at the time it was felt that Spurs draw may have been his final appearance in a claret and blue jersey.
Now, with Hammers News having been informed by football correspondent Graeme Bailey that Paqueta could now aim to stay at West Ham and reward the faith shown in him by Potter and co, brighter times appear to be on the horizon.
“We are pleased Lucas has been cleared,” adds West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady. “He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a Club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process.
“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the Club, always giving everything.
“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United.”
Manchester City still keen but Paqueta is open to staying at London Stadium
The announcement came just hours after the Rio-born 27-year-old scored the equaliser during West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Everton in Chicago.
Graham Potter has supported Paqueta during every step of the way, and the manager may now be repaid in style by a footballer desperate to put a traumatic period behind him for good.
Hammers News have been told that Manchester City remain firm admirers of Paqueta. Pep Guardiola’s side agreed an £80 million fee with West Ham shortly before the charge was brought against him back in August 2023.
The eventual decision about whether or not to move him on will, of course, rest with those in charge at the London Stadium.
But retaining the services of a confident, clear-headed Paqueta may prove to be worth a lot more than a potential £40 million windfall.
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