Lucas Paqueta got to experience life at West Ham first hand last season
(Picture: Getty Images)Lucas Paqueta highlighted his experience of playing against West Ham as part of the reason he moved to the club earlier this summer.
After months of speculation regarding his future at Lyon, the Brazilian international joined David Moyes’ side in a club-record deal worth around £51m.
Paqueta’s arrival in seen as a coup in east London. A key component in Tite’s international set-up heading into the World Cup, the 25-year-old is the headline addition of a statement transfer window, with over £170m spent to strengthen Moyes’ squad.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle were continually linked with a move for the midfielder but it is West Ham who landed a player even Moyes admitted he did not think the club could reach at times.
During the Hammers’ run to last season’s Europa League semi-finals, Paqueta formed part of the Lyon side who were beaten in the final eight.
The French side claimed a draw at the London Stadium before losing convincingly on home soil and Paqueta says the passion of the support in east London played a major part in his decision to move.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the midfielder said: “After we played West Ham in the Europa League last season, we all said as players what a fantastic stadium it was and how great the fans were and what great energy there was in the place.
“That’s definitely something that influenced my decision as well. Without a doubt, it’s an incredible Club and something that I wanted to experience.
“It was really that desire that everybody at the Club showed in this amazing project they have and the fact they wanted to include me in that really cemented my decision.”
