Paqueta: Being under investigation for two years left me in fear and missed the opportunity to go to Manchester City

Hupu News November 14th While traveling with the Brazilian national team to Europe to participate in friendly matches against Senegal and Tunisia, West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta accepted an exclusive interview with the Brazilian Global Network Sports Channel for the first time after the dust settled on his case.

What was the experience of facing accusations like? How do you feel now that you have been found not guilty?

There is no doubt that it was an extremely difficult time, not only for me but for my family as well. My wife and I endured two long and painful years, but fortunately the ending was happy. The most important thing is to figure out why I'm going through this. There was a lot of speculation and hasty judgment, but we always believed in God, transformed each other, and supported each other.

It has also strengthened our marriage and family—me, my wife, and our kids. I'm glad things turned out this way. I fought through it all, and it's so excruciating when you have no voice and can only listen to various explanations without being able to defend yourself. I am preparing to explain everything in detail and share my experience with everyone.

I am very happy to be back with the national team, scoring goals like I did at Maracana, winning back my place and competing for a World Cup spot.

How did this experience harm your life, especially psychologically and socially?

Everyone knows that I had finalized my move to Manchester City. If I hadn't received that letter (from the FA) I probably would have signed that week. On a professional level, I lost that transfer opportunity and missed an important step in my career.

On a psychological level, I think this is what affects me the most - fear, uncertainty about the future, even though I know who I am and what I have done. But because of the nature of the investigation and the way the FA handled it, we are constantly in fear.

The psychological pressure is really great. I received counseling from a psychiatrist to help me cope with the situation and some of my problems. But like I said before, figuring out the reason behind it all, seeing it as God’s plan, and encountering Him as a testimony of faith and resilience—that’s the victory I won.

Now I am very happy and feel much more relaxed. The fear has passed. They originally said they would have results in three months, but it ended up taking two years, but I ended up being able to prove my innocence, win the case, and get back on the court doing what I love.

The FA's Independent Regulatory Commission has issued a warning to you for "failure to cooperate with the investigation". What do you think of the final result?

Despite this caveat, I consider this a resounding victory. I did not receive any substantial suspension or fine. Issues of proportionality (as involved in warnings) are common in legal proceedings.

So I think this is a complete victory. I am extremely grateful for the work of my legal team. Now is the time to enjoy the moment, play with more freedom, take the burden off, let go of the fear, and find joy on the pitch. During

you were once excluded from the national team roster, but you were never completely excluded. Did this help you? Do you feel supported?

Of course. I would like to emphasize my respect for the Brazilian Football Federation and national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano, who helped and trusted me from the beginning. Caetano has known me since I was 16 and he is very important to me.

Many people criticized the Brazilian Football Federation for still recruiting me during the investigation, but being able to stay in the national team helped me a lot. Maybe people don’t see it, but being with my teammates, speaking my native language, and being surrounded by lifelong friends — that gives me strength.

Later, I was no longer selected because I decided after talking with Rodrigo. The trial had already started and I wanted to focus on the case itself. I told him I needed to focus.

I have been unable to speak for those two years, and the day is getting closer when I can finally express myself, not only publicly, but also to defend myself in cases. The support of the Brazilian Football Federation is crucial, and my teammates also give me a lot of encouragement, and I am very grateful to them.