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West Ham’s key man Lucas Paqueta has talked for the first time on how a Football Association investigation turned his career upside down.
The Brazilian midfielder is still under investigation regarding potential breaches of gambling rules, which first emerged in August 2023.
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Signed in the summer of 2022 from Lyon for a club-record £51million, Paqueta has proved to be worth every penny, even with the distraction of the investigation.
A Europa Conference League winner in his first season, Hammers manager David Moyes stuck with the 26-year-old when the news emerged, and he’s now revealed how important that was.
“In the beginning it was hard,” Paqueta said. “But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances.
“(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.
“He said he wanted me playing in the team. That confidence was very important for me.
“Without a shadow of doubt, the support he gave me to leave all this behind, it was essential.”
The investigation reportedly saw Manchester City back out of an £80m deal for the midfielder, while he also lost his place in the Brazil squad.
Now back in the team ahead of a friendly against England, live on talkSPORT, Paqueta continued to discuss the incident for the first time.
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“I was told not to comment on this subject,” he said. “It’s been seven months since it happened and I’m cooperating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved.
“I’m very happy to be back. I hope I can help [the youngsters] in the best way possible.
“I worked with the coach at the end of my time at Flamengo and it was an incredible experience. I’m happy to be called up for his recognition of my work.
“Being in the national team has always been my dream, so when I return I feel even more privileged.”
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