West Ham have aimed a pointed dig at both the FA and Lucas Paqueta as the Brazilian star sent an emotional farewell message pleading for forgiveness.
The Lucas Paqueta saga is finally over for West Ham today after a deal with Flamengo was confirmed – just as Hammers News revealed it would be.
On Tuesday Hammers News reported West Ham chief David Sullivan was having the last laugh on the Paqueta deal as payment terms were agreed and his ‘flight booked’ for Brazil.
We also reported Flamengo want Paqueta to make his second debut for his boyhood club against Corinthians on Sunday.
After weeks of tension, public posturing and brinkmanship with one inaccurate claim after another from certain sections of the press, Paqueta is now finally set to return to his first club for a fee believed to be around £38.5m.
Flamengo will pay the fee over 24 months rather than the duration of Paqueta’s five-year contract.
West Ham aim dig at FA and Paqueta as saga comes to an end
Hammers News revealed the player has been pleading with Nuno Espirito Santo to let him leave in one-to-one meetings.
Despite the club battling relegation, Paqueta was adamant he wanted to leave, putting West Ham in an awkward situation and terrible bargaining position.
What is the best deal in this list? 💰
How much do you value Summerville and Fernandes at?
Especially as Paqueta only wanted Flamengo.
Now the Hammers and Paqueta have both released statements and there is clearly some ill-feeling over the move – mostly towards the Football Association.
West Ham have aimed a clear dig at the FA and Paqueta as the departing star pleads for forgiveness.
The timing and tone of events have added another layer of intrigue to the saga and it is clear where both parties feel the blame ultimately lies as the situation reaches its endgame.
In a rare statement, West Ham confirmed the deal with Flamengo was done reluctantly after Paqueta demanded to leave for personal reasons linked to the impact the FA’s case against him for spot-fixing had on his mental health and family.
West Ham go as far as to suggest the length of time taken for the FA case to be resolved is to blame for Paqueta wanting to leave for Brazil.
Notably, though, West Ham thanked Nuno, his staff, Paqueta’s teammates and ‘loyal supporters’ who stood by him during his two-year ordeal but stopped short of thanking the player himself.
Hammers thank everyone but Paqueta in rare statement
Paqueta then went one further, leaving no doubt that is the reason by insisting he turned down offers from rival clubs – believed to be Chelsea, Spurs and Villa – because he just wanted to go home following the FA case.
“Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved – a situation that caused him significant mental strain,” West Ham said in a statement.
West Ham did all they could but Lucas Paqueta STILL wanted out! 😡
Do you respect his stance? Or do you feel let down? Hit the comments 👇
“Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave. Therefore, the Head Coach and the Club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.
“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the Club and, in particular, over the past two and a half years. The Club will make no further comment at this time.”
In his own emotional farewell statement, Paqueta said he understands some Hammers fans will no longer like him for pushing to leave.
But he has asked supporters to understand his reasons for leaving while insisting it has nothing to do with the fact the club is in a relegation battle.
Paqueta took aim at the FA for destroying his mental health and leaving him ‘scarred’.
He says the FA ordeal left him feeling unbearably homesick and desperately seeking the peace and comfort of being back in Brazil with his family.
Paqueta pleads with West Ham fans for forgiveness
“Hello Hammers!” Paqueta says in audio over the top of some of his West Ham highlights in a video on his Instagram.
“I want to thank everyone at the club: staff, employees, and players, for the years I’ve spent here. These have been unique, memorable moments. Some happy, some not. But I always tried to be my best self – and we all know why that’s no longer possible.
“Some scars I’ll carry for the rest of my life, and one made me realise I can’t keep fighting against something that’s no longer for me. I refused offers from rival teams to stay in Europe. I never asked to leave. I did ask to return home, and I hope someday you’ll understand that nothing is more comforting than going back home. I need this for my mental health, my wife, and my children. I need to find joy in football again, and regain my peace.
“I realised that here I’d still need to fight battles that aren’t mine anymore. It was never about the club’s current situation. When I arrived, we faced similar challenges, but ultimately won a title that will forever be a part of history. I know some won’t remember me fondly, and I’m sorry – but that pass to Bowen came from someone who stayed true to his dream. I’m going home, but I’ll always support you. Thank you for everything, West Ham.”
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
