'God bless you' - Lucas Paqueta sends emotional goodbye after ace makes late-window West Ham exit
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Jack Heath
Tue 2 September 2025 18:15, UK
Lucas Paqueta has sent a poignant farewell message to a former West Ham teammate who bagged a last minute move away from the club.
The Brazilian had been the subject of a late flurry of interest following the Hammers’ poor start to the season suggesting the midfielder wanted a move away.
Sources had told Football Insider that West Ham would reluctantly sell Lucas Paqueta if they received a fair offer before the transfer deadline with major interest coming from Aston Villa.
However, Paqueta rejected Aston Villa to stay with West Ham as he tucked away a penalty in the Irons 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, repaying the fans’ faith.
With the number 10’s future in east London secure for now, the Brazil international said goodbye to the departing Emerson Palmieri who has now joined Marseille.
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The former Chelsea full-back left the Irons after three seasons, joining the French outfit for a reported €1million (£869,600) fee (The Athletic).
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The Italian made 113 appearances for West Ham, including winning the UEFA Conference League in the 2022-23 campaign.
Taking to Instagram stories (2 September), Paqueta sent a goodbye message by reposting Palmieri’s farewell video.
The ex-Lyon midfielder said [in Portuguese]: “God bless you in your new journey brother, it was a pleasure to share these last four years at your side.
“I will always be cheering for your success.
We are always together friend.”
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Football Insider verdict
The 28-year-old put any doubts to bed over his future at the club in his goal celebration on Sunday (31 August) by kissing the badge to remind the fans of his love for the Irons.
Considering the difficulties of the previous campaign, the number 10 looks to be in fine form at the start of the new 2025-26 season.
He has already netted three goals in four matches and is quickly becoming the main talisman for the east London outfit.
Lucas Paqueta 2025-26Appearances4Minutes played360Goals3Assists0(Source: Sofascore)
Jarrod Bowen had held this role for many seasons at the London Stadium, but it looks like the Brazilian might usurp the Englishman in the role.
The South American’s stamina and effort was evident against Forest as ran from box-to-box, putting in maximum effort for his side.
Now is the time for Paqueta to be rid of the demons that have hung over his head and find a new lease of life playing football in the Premier League.