It’s Needed! Lucas Paqueta opens up on reasons behind West Ham exit

Lucas Paqueta has finally opened up on his decision to leave Premier League side West Ham United to start a new adventure at Flamengo.

In what many considered a shocking move, Paqueta asked for a return to his native country ahead of this year’s World Cup, and now he has sealed a £36 million ($50m) transfer to Flamengo.

Now that this saga is over, the playmaker has made a candid admission about the switch.

According to the 28-year-old, the urge to return to his native Brazil was a strong one, especially after being cleared of spot-fixing charges following a lengthy investigation.

He said, “The first moment (Flamengo tried to sign Paqueta) was when (Marcos) Braz was still at Flamengo (as vice president), there was that contact. I know of Flamengo’s desire, and they know of my desire, my passion for the club, so it’s something that always happens. As soon as I was accused, and the whole trial process was about to begin, Braz came to my house, made the offer, and asked what I thought. Obviously, I always want to go back to Flamengo, but at that moment, I was still a bit undecided about my decision, about what I was going to do. Then I also talked to the West Ham director and said: ‘Braz, I want to go back, I know I’ll feel good at Flamengo, but I can’t be ungrateful to the club that’s supporting me so much. They supported me a lot at all times, helped me in various situations, so I couldn’t force an exit from a place where I was being welcomed and respected. They respected me, my wife, my family. So I said: ‘I want you to resolve this.’ But yes, this exchange with Flamengo did happen.”

Lucas Paqueta controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Tunisia at Decathlon Arena on November 18, 2025 in Lille, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Formerly a Manchester City target, Paqueta was over the moon when the deal to Flamengo was completed.

According to the Brazil international, he probably needed Flamengo more than they needed him.

He told Flamengo TV: “Maybe Flamengo didn’t need me, but I needed Flamengo. I’m very happy to see all the affection, because I feel very identified. I’m one of you (fans) on the pitch, and I can promise you that won’t change. My heart is red-black, and I will demonstrate that on the field. Huge happiness to be back. I dreamed a lot about this moment. All I want is to enjoy this joy of finally being home. I want to be happy, give joy to the Nation and give my best – I continue.”

West Ham will begin life without Paqueta when they travel to London neighbours Chelsea on Saturday.

The Hammers sit 18th in the table and are five points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest but they have won their last two league games.