For some time we've reported about Lucas Paqueta's mental health struggles. It was real, despite what fans might think. There is a sentiment that the Brazilian midfielder gave up or quit on the team, but multiple sources suggest match days were impossible for him. Now its official, Paqueta has left the team on a 41.5 million euro transfer to Flamengo, his former team in Brazil and his home.
"“Hello Hammers! 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.Lucas Paqueta
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.”"
Earlier this month, sources had told us that Paqueta felt like a target. He felt that there was bitterness from the English Football Association and that, after 2 years of investigating Paqueta for an online betting scandal, they were out to make his time in the Premier League miserable. "Every time there's a foul called against him or a yellow card drawn, he is thinking the worst,' the source said. "He told the fans he'd give it one more year because of the love and support he received from West Ham, but he just wants to go home."
"Match days were debilitating," another source said. "He would get migraines and keep to himself before matches so his teammates wouldn't see him that way. The thought of stepping on a pitch for a Premier League match was daunting."
Here is what was always true and GSH has reported along the way:
1. Paqueta announced to fans that he would be sticking with West Ham for at least one more year. "But then the season began, and by October he felt the walls closing in on him, " a source said. It's also about the time he asked the team to get him mental health. West Ham brought in multiple sports psychologists, but the damage was done.
2. He never asked them to transfer him to Manchester City. He didn't solicit their official offer over 3 years ago. He had told the board that if what was best for the team was selling him, he would go, but never forced their hand.
3. In August when Aston Villa came in for an offer, he considered it on a short-term deal, but when they couldn't reach a compromise, Paqueta told the team he didn't want to play in the Premier League past his current contract.
4. Paqueta and his agent told the board he would go in the summer and would be willing to accept a move to play in Brazil, Spain, Mexico, or Portugal. He did not want to bein the Premier League or return to Serie A.
5. He did love playing East London before the scandal. His wife and kids loved living in London, and everywhere he went, he and his family were treated with respect and admiration. He enjoyed the West Ham community and how their passion reminded him of home.
In a few years fans will look back and think about Paqueta's place in history. There won't be hate or anger the way some look at him now. Instead, he will be one member of a team that brought silverware to East London. For that reason, he will also always be remembered for 3 straight seasons of European football, perhaps one of the greatest stretches in team history.