If any footballer on planet earth, let alone in the Premier League, needed time to let his hair down and clear his head, it is probably West Ham United’s embattled Brazil international Lucas Paqueta.
That seemingly never-ending spot-fixing trial finally came to a conclusion a few weeks back. But if Lucas Paqueta was hoping for an immediate verdict – the FA are pushing for a lifetime ban should he be found guilty – then West Ham United’s number ten may be disappointed.
According to The Guardian, Paqueta might have to wait until as late as early-August to find out his fate.
And, clearly, all the uncertainty has taken its toll.
Lucas Paqueta was in tears after he picked up a booking during a 1-1 draw between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur in April. Graham Potter then dropped the ex-AC Milan ace to the bench for the 2-0 win at Manchester United a few days later, fearing that those off-field distractions would further cloud his vision.
Brazilian reporter Fred Caldeira believes there are only two outcomes possible for Lucas Paqueta. Either, he is acquitted and his career carries on as normal. Or, he is banned for good.
A lengthy suspension, Caldeira feels, is not on the table amongst those two very black-and-white verdicts.
Paqueta could have been forgiven, then, for wondering if the charity match he featured in alongside Diego Tardelli, Ze Roberto and Arthur Melo this week might be one of his final appearances on a football pitch should a worst-case scenario present itself.
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West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta features alongside Neymar in Brazilian charity game
A charity match organised by Neymar, with the proceeds going to his charity organisation, brought the Brazil legend back together with his long-time teammate in the national team.
Paqueta has not represented the Selecao since November. He was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad this month, too, amid the ongoing uncertainty over his entire footballing future.
But should the the £51 million signing from Lyon be found innocent of spot-kick offences, Paqueta could do worse than to take counsel from Neymar. The expert in letting his football do the talking while keeping his ears firmly closed to the outside noise.
“Everyone thinks that the parties I had and the carnivals I went to happened every day!” Neymar told the media after his charity fundraiser, skipping past criticism of his extra-curricular activities just like he leaves defenders for dead on a football pitch.
“They were only when I could go, during my free time or vacations. It’s no wonder that I’ve been at the top of my game for 15 years, playing for big teams and still playing for the Brazilian national team.
“So, it takes a lot of dedication. You have to give up a lot. I know what I’m talking about!”
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Paqueta is expected to leave West Ham if he is acquitted
Due to the legal nature of the situation, Lucas Paqueta has only spoken out once following the charge.
But as football correspondent Graeme Bailey told TBR Football, some clarity should finally arrive sooner rather than later. The belief is, as things stand, Paqueta’s career will not end with a charity match in Vila Belmiro.
“We are fully expecting him to be exonerated or, at the very least, he’ll be able to play Premier League football next season,” Bailey explains, albeit Paqueta could still be sold by a West Ham side hoping to raise funds for new signings.
“[Paqueta, Tomas Soucek and Mohammed Kudus] are the really big three sales.’