Lucas Paqueta revealed he wanted to return to Flamengo during the summer transfer window but opted not to force a move away from West Ham.
The midfielder represented Flamengo before joining AC Milan in the 2018/2019 season, where he registered 11 goals and two assists in 49 league appearances for the Brazilian club.
Paqueta is said to have attracted interest from Flamengo over the past two seasons, which the midfielder confirmed, while Aston Villa have also been linked with the 28-year-old.
West Ham have struggled this season, with Nuno Espirito Santo taking over from Graham Potter, while the Hammers sit 18th in the Premier League.
Paqueta has scored three goals in eleven league games so far, one short of his best season at the club (four in each of his previous three seasons).
Although he chose to stay with the Hammers out of respect, he insisted that he would return to Flamengo at some point in his career.
“The second moment [that he had talks with Flamengo]Incredibly, it was when I already knew I could continue playing normally [after the betting investigation]”, Paqueta told Globoesporte.
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“Then I became even more eager to return to Flamengo. Maybe I shouldn’t even have said this, but I had a few conversations with [Flamengo coach] Philip [Luis]who is a friend, besides the work he does at Flamengo.
“I really expressed my desire to return and showed that to my agents.
“It was a difficult decision because I am 28 years old, I am very young and I still have a lot of market value here.
“I did my job well, but it was a very strong desire. I tried very hard, but unfortunately I decided again to respect my club and not to force anything, because it is a club that supported me and for which I have enormous affection.”
“I understood that this was not the right time, but I know that the doors will always be open for me. I know that this return will happen at some point.”
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