Lucas Paqueta has made an honest admission regarding his £51m transfer to West Ham but has assured fans and teammates that he will repay their faith, writes the HammerNews.
Despite being referred to as the ‘Brazilian magnifico’ by West Ham supporters since his arrival at the club for a record fee in the summer, he had not lived up to the name on the pitch until recently. Although no one expected the silky Brazil midfield star from Lyon to rise like a salmon and score a header at the far post that would make Andy Carroll proud, fans did expect him to add some stardust to proceedings and elevate West Ham’s play and passing to a new level.
At the Vitality Stadium, Paqueta stood out as the best player on the pitch as West Ham secured a 4-0 victory. Despite initial struggles to adapt to the pace and tempo of the Premier League, Paqueta’s recent performances have shown significant improvement, earning him praise from fans and manager David Moyes. He appears stronger, more committed, and at times, in complete control of the opposition.
However, football fans were left puzzled as to why Paqueta struggled to replicate this form for West Ham, but Moyes had previously asked for patience. In a recent interview with the club’s official website, Paqueta admitted to his difficulties since joining the Hammers but reassured fans and teammates that he has now fully adapted to English football. He also pledged to continue taking English lessons to further improve and repay the support and trust shown to him by West Ham fans.
“I feel the players are understanding each other more and more on the pitch,” Paqueta said.
“It’s normal that, with time, the players get the hang of each other. I feel like we are demonstrating that in the games. I’m very happy to be helping out my teammates and West Ham as a whole.
“I can safely say that I am adapting. Yes, it took some time to identify myself with the pace of the Premier League, the physicality, but I believe I am now 100 per cent adapted and I hope to get better and better and give my all each time I step out onto the field…
“I’m studying (English), I’m trying to learn. I’m a bit shy to speak. I know some things but I’m understanding it better. I’m looking forward to learning as fast as possible so I can repay the fans and the players as well in English all the love and affection they gave me.”