Lucas Paqueta has stunned West Ham by announcing this will be his final season at the club in an emotional 59-word statement out of the blue.
It was difficult for West Ham fans to know what to be more excited about from the brilliant 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest less than two weeks ago.
The amazing debut of new midfielder Mateus Fernandes, the stunning return of Crysencio Summerville or the man of the match performance and celebration from Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico has looked back to his brilliant best since being cleared in the spot-fixing case which has hung over him and the Hammers for two years.
Paqueta scored for the fourth game in a row when he netted in a win over Chile on his return to the Brazil team over the international break.
Paqueta confirms this will be his final season at West Ham
It came after the Hammers fan favourite scored a penalty and produced one of the most iconic celebrations in West Ham history at the City Ground in their last match.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano had angered West Ham and the club’s supporters with a narrative that Paqueta wanted out of the club before the summer transfer window deadline.
Romano claimed Paqueta wanted to join Aston Villa in the final days of the window and it was claimed he even asked not to play at Nottingham Forest.
The transfer reporter even stated there would be his trademark ‘here we go soon’ on Paqueta joining Villa.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
But West Ham’s playmaker made Romano look rather silly with his celebration after starring and scoring in West Ham’s revitalising 3-0 victory against Forest.
Clearly well aware of Romano’s claims that he ‘wanted to leave for the Villa project’, the former Milan and Lyon star mimicked taking a phone call before hanging up and tossing the imaginary handset away.
Paqueta then wagged his finger saying ‘no’ before kissing the West Ham badge in front of the travelling fans.
Now there has been a huge twist over the fan favourite’s future.
Huge twist as Paqueta releases emotional Hammers statement
Paqueta will still have another year left on his contract next summer, as it runs until 2027 – and it even includes the option for a further year.
But he won’t be seeing it out.
Because Paqueta has confirmed this will be his final season at West Ham in an emotional 59-word statement.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the Brazilian playmaker has revealed his decision to move on next summer, meaning Hammers supporters must enjoy him while they can this season.
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In an outpouring of emotion towards West Ham as a club and the supporters who backed him throughout the darkest period of his career – and possibly life – Paqueta said he stayed in east London because he owed it to the ones who loved him at his lowest ebb.
“It’s about choosing those who welcomed you, who never judged you, who believed in you until the very last moment, who loved you and made you feel at home,” Paqueta said.
“It’s about staying loyal not only when you had everything, but also when there was nothing.
“It’s not time to say goodbye yet!
“Let’s go together for one more season!”
At least everyone knows where they stand
What a touching message that shows Paqueta really does care about the club and what they, and the fans, have done for him and his family.
At least everyone knows where they now stand.
West Ham fans and Paqueta can enjoy their final season together without all the second guessing about what the future may hold.
Hopefully Paqueta will ride off into the sunset after helping the Hammers to a successful season.
And whatever happens, Paqueta will always be the man whose genius pass created the goal which won West Ham their only major trophy for the best part of half a century.