Lucas Paqueta appears to have confirmed that this season will be his last as a West Ham player.
The Brazilian took to Instagram on Thursday night to pledge his loyalty to the Hammers cause this season.
Lucas Paqueta hinted that he has just one more year left at West Ham
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Lucas Paqueta hinted that he has just one more year left at West HamCredit: Getty
The 28-year-old urged the club’s supporters to do the same before adding ‘let’s go together for one more season’.
Paqueta uploaded an image of him holding the West Ham shirt after netting in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest last month.
He captioned the image: “It's about choosing those who welcomed you, who never judged you, who believed in you until the very last moment, who loved you and made you feel at home.
“It's about staying loyal not only when you had everything, but also when there was nothing… it's not time to say goodbye yet! Let's go together for one more season!”
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Paqueta, whose contract expires in 2027, was cleared of spot-fixing charges earlier this summer after a two-year investigation.
His strike against Forest sparked an outpouring of emotion which saw him kiss the West Ham badge in front of the travelling supporters.
Paqueta seemingly feels he owes West Ham a debt of gratitude for their support during the investigation by the Football Association.
The 57-time capped Brazil international was subject of an approach by Aston Villa late in the transfer window but opted to remain at the London club.
But his recent comments appear to have cast doubt on his future beyond the end of the season, with Premier League clubs reportedly interested.
Paqueta made a superb start to life at West Ham following his move from Lyon in 2022.
The Brazilian was a revelation after joining West Ham from Lyon and almost earned himself an £85m switch to Man City in 2023
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The Brazilian was a revelation after joining West Ham from Lyon and almost earned himself an £85m switch to Man City in 2023Credit: Getty
Paqueta helped the Hammers lift the UEFA Conference League in 2023
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Paqueta helped the Hammers lift the UEFA Conference League in 2023Credit: Getty
He struggled to match his early Hammers form last season and currently sits on 21 goals in 124 appearances for the club.
In his first full season at the club, the Brazil star helped West Ham win the UEFA Conference League to end West Ham’s 43-year wait for a trophy.
And his sparkling displays almost earned him a move to Manchester City a year later.
However, the FA investigation into alleged spot-fixing commenced as he was set to sign for City, and the move subsequently fell through.
He was later cleared on four counts of alleged spot-fixing by an independent commission in July.
He is currently considering suing the FA following his acquittal.