West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has admitted he sought a return to Flamengo this summer following his Premier League betting scandal.

Paquetá, 28, was cleared of spot-fixing allegations earlier this season but received a warning from The FA for failing to fully cooperate with their investigation.

The FA had accused him of deliberately picking up bookings in four matches to influence betting outcomes. However, an independent commission found the charges unproven in July 2025, citing insufficient evidence.

The scandal had already derailed a potential move to Manchester City in 2023, and Paquetá confessed that he seriously considered leaving West Ham this summer.

“The second moment (when I had talks with Flamengo), incredibly enough, was after I knew I could continue playing normally following the betting investigation,” Paquetá told Globoesporte.

“That’s when I felt an even stronger desire to return to Flamengo. Maybe I shouldn’t even be saying this, but I had conversations with Filipe (Luis), who is a friend and involved with the club, and I really expressed my wish to go back. I also communicated it to my agents.”

Paquetá admitted the decision was not straightforward.

“It was a difficult decision because I’m 28, still young, and have a lot of market value in Europe. I’ve been doing my job well, but the desire to return was strong. I tried very hard, but in the end I decided to respect my club, which supported me and for which I have enormous affection.”

“I understood it wasn’t the right time, but I know the doors will always be open for me. I’m confident that, at some point, this return will happen.”