Yes, Romario would leave European football and return to his native Brazil while still at the peak of his footballing powers. <\/p>\n
Paqueta felt a burning desire to re-join Flamengo<\/a> last summer, indicating that a certain two-year spot-fixing investigation had taken its toll on his mental health and his relationship with the English game. Romario\u2019s contentious departure from Barcelona to Flamengo, 31 years ago this month, was also partially driven by homesickness, as well as a high-profile falling out with the legendary Johan Cruyff.<\/p>\n Lucas Paqueta could MISS Spurs v West Ham\u2026 \ud83e\udd14 <\/p>\n Who would you pick to start in his No 10 role instead?<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc47 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say <\/p>\n The 1994 FIFA World Player of the Year, though, believes it would be \u2018absurd\u2019 to drill down any further into the similarities between his situation at the Camp Nou and Paqueta\u2019s at West Ham United<\/a>.<\/p>\n Then again, if prominent Hammers insider\u00a0ExWHUemployee<\/a> is right when he claims that Paqueta and the club are at odds<\/a> regarding his fitness and last week\u2019s FA Cup omission against QPR, divisions behind the scenes would only add to the theory that Romario\u2019s Flamengo return is being played out again. <\/p>\n A modern-day sequel, if you will.<\/p>\n Brazil legend Romario discusses Lucas Paqueta\u2019s likely West Ham United exit <\/p>\n Sean Whetstone<\/a>, who is a close ally of chairman David Sullivan, reports that discussions between West Ham and Flamengo continued<\/a> on Friday. Paqueta is reported to have agreed personal terms with the newly-crowned Copa Libertadores champions.<\/p>\n Now, anyone even slightly au fait with Romario\u2019s reputation as one of the most egocentric footballers ever to play the game will not be surprised to hear he has his own media channel. <\/p>\n One titled \u2018Romario TV<\/a>\u2018, of course.<\/p>\n On it, the 1994 World Cup winner discussed the undoubted but perhaps overblown comparisons between his situation and Paqueta\u2019s three decades later. He also talks up a Brazilian homecoming for a Rio-born star who threatens to take the Brazilian and continental champions to another level altogether.<\/p>\n Following up a double-winning season with a club-record transfer for a Brazilian A-lister? Talk about building from a position of strength.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is nothing similar in relation to [Paqueta\u2019s] situation and mine in 1995,\u201d Romario argued in typically uncompromising fashion.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to stop comparing some things that are kind of absurd. This is one of them.<\/p>\n \u201c[But Paqueta] is going to be another player signed to Flamengo. And if Flamengo is interested, it\u2019s because he\u2019s going to help. He\u2019s another player who made a beautiful history and is going back to his former club. I hope he can be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n What is the best SOLUTION for West Ham over Lucas Paqueta? \ud83d\udc40 <\/p>\n \ud83d\udc47 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say <\/p>\n Paqueta has turned down Tottenham Hotspur for Flamengo<\/p>\n Paqueta started his career at Flamengo before moving to Europe with AC Milan a decade ago.<\/p>\n Nuno hopes that Paqueta can sign off in style<\/a> against arch rivals Tottenham this weekend, though he and his camp may have other plans. An injury in a London derby could wreck Paqueta\u2019s dream move, while also scuppering West Ham\u2019s hopes of bringing in a fee worth a minimum \u00a340 million.<\/p>\n Interestingly, it is understood that Tottenham were keen to sign Paqueta<\/a> themselves. His decision to snub Spurs in favour of an emotionally-driven Flamengo return, at least puts one potential flashpoint to bed ahead of Saturday\u2019s 3pm kick-off in North London.<\/p>\n![\"Lucas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2193313058-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Shaun Botterill\/Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/HN-3-819x1024.jpg\")
Credit: Getty Images\/Rob Newell \u2013 CameraSport\/Jacques Feeney\/Offside\/Offside <\/p>\n