Lucas Paquetá, 26, has been under investigation by the English Football Association (FA) since last summer for allegations of sports betting. The player was excluded from the Brazilian team for six matches this fall. However, he is now back with the Seleção for two prestigious friendly matches (against England and Spain). The former OL player opened up about this difficult period in a press conference yesterday. He had to rely on an important man to overcome this difficult moment.
“At first, it was tough. But now, I have grown a lot mentally and I can live with it. I have left that behind me and can now focus on my performances. Moyes is special to me. I have a good relationship with him. His support was important to me. He said he wanted me to play on the team. This confidence was very important to me. Without a doubt, the support he gave me to leave all that behind was essential,” he explained to the media present. The Brazilian midfielder could not go into details about the accusations against him, but he did affirm that he is cooperating with the authorities. This matter has harmed him. Last winter, it caused Manchester City to not pursue his acquisition. If the Brazilian is acquitted, the Mancunians will certainly come back for him this summer. The Sky Blues had prepared an offer of £80 million (nearly €94 million) for the playmaker from the Hammers.
