A special player – Nuno disappointed to see Paqueta leave West Ham
Lucas Paqueta will join Flamengo from West Ham this week
Nuno Espirito Santo described Lucas Paqueta as a “special person and player” with the midfielder poised to depart West Ham for Flamengo.
The 28-year-old had expressed a desire to leave and return to his homeland due to the mental strain caused by his two-year long battle to clear his name after being charged with betting misdemeanours.
Paqueta was acquitted in July last year but has struggled to regain top form this season with the Hammers in a relegation dogfight.
And with Flamengo offering a deal in the region of £40million, the East London club have reluctantly sanctioned his departure.
Nuno said: “It’s not official yet. We as a club have allowed him to travel to do his medical but I think we will find a solution that everybody was aware of and come to a good conclusion.
“Lucas was clear he wanted to return home and we expect the medical and things to become official. Let’s wait and see.”
Paqueta is a special player and person – Nuno
Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 for a club-record fee in the region of £50m and has had mixed success. Nevertheless, Nuno will be sad to see him go, adding: “For me, Lucas is a special player and a special person. He is a number 10 I tell you many times.
“He wanted to go to Brazil, he had an offer, we expect the medical and you keep moving knowing he is a special person and player. We wish him all the very best.”
Paqueta leaves with West Ham enjoying a mini-resurgence with wins over Spurs and Sunderland closing the gap to Nottingham Forest and safety to five points.
They go to Chelsea on Saturday with new recruit Adama Traore in the mix to make his debut after joining this week from Fulham.
Nuno worked with the Spain winger at Wolves and is excited to have him on board.
“I know him very well, I have worked with him many years and I know him which is why I said he is unique. There are not many players with his ability in one-v-one situations,” he said.
“There are not many players with his speed, with his pace and I think he is going to give us many, many things. We need his threat he possesses. His energy, not only on the pitch but in the dressing room, in training he is a special person to have around.”