West Ham star Lucas Paqueta reacts as emotional farewell sent
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has reacted to Thiago Silva’s emotional social media post regarding his future.
Paqueta knows former Chelsea defender Silva well through the Brazil national team.
Veteran centre-back Silva had his Fluminense contract terminated six months early this week and is reportedly eager to return to European football.
West Ham were linked with Silva previously, but a return to Chelsea in a hybrid coaching and playing role has been mentioned as a possible route.
Lucas Paqueta and Richarlison among those to react to Thiago Silva post
Silva previously tried to get Chelsea to sign Paqueta, and unfortunately from West Ham‘s perspective it was to no avail.
The pair are clearly still close, with Paqueta liking Silva’s emotional farewell post on Instagram on Thursday evening.
Silva’s post read: “Our time together was shorter than we imagined, but intense enough to create memories I will cherish for a lifetime.
“I am deeply grateful to the club, the coaching staff, my teammates, my family, and especially the fans, who turned this dream into reality and made me feel at home from day one at Fluminense.
“Wherever God leads me on this journey, the moments we lived together will remain eternal in my history. Even though, at this moment, I am not wearing the tricolor colours, they will always run in my veins”.
Silva, who returned to Fluminense in May 2024, could now be back on European shores in order to keep alive his dream of playing for Brazil at next summer’s World Cup.
Former West Ham defender Emerson Palmieri, who played with Silva at Chelsea, and Tottenham forward Richarlison also liked the post.
This is why Paqueta may also soon be on the move
Paqueta is no stranger to talk regarding his West Ham future, with the forward being linked with a number of clubs.
A move to Manchester City famously broke down last year, while a return to Brazil has been talked up more recently.
| Paqueta | |
| Games played (starts) | 15 (15) |
| Minutes | 1,306 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow cards | 5 |
West Ham fans would have been devastated to lose Paqueta in the past, but it is now becoming less of an issue.
Indeed, Paqueta has been at fault for multiple goals this season and is too often letting the team down in attacking situations.
Should a suitable offer come in next year – whether from abroad or closer to home – West Ham will have every right to consider cashing in and finding a replacement.
Paqueta has served West Ham well, but his time at the London Stadium may well be coming to a conclusion.
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