RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Lucas Paqueta said he returned to boyhood club Flamengo to be happy, calling the move a homecoming after seven years in Europe.
The Brazil midfielder was unveiled at Flamengo's training center on Monday after leaving West Ham United, saying the decision was driven by personal fulfillment rather than sporting or financial considerations.
"First, it's impossible not to talk about happiness, because my decision was based on that," Paqueta said. "What made me feel good and happy was what led me to make this first decision to return to Flamengo."
"Everyone knows how much I love this club, I grew up here, it's my home," he added. "I wanted to come home. It's a feeling, it's identity."
Paqueta, who made his professional debut for Flamengo in 2016 after coming through its youth academy, made 95 appearances in all competitions in his first spell at the Rio de Janeiro club. He left for AC Milan in 2019, later spending two seasons at Lyon before signing for West Ham United in 2022.
Flamengo reached an agreement with West Ham last month to bring Paqueta back to Brazil, with the playmaker signing a five-year contract. He said he had received proposals to remain in Europe, including the chance to play in the Champions League, but chose Flamengo instead.
"Everyone knows I had the possibility of staying in Europe, with an offer from Chelsea and the possibility of playing in the Champions League," Paqueta said. "I chose this club because I know that here I will be happy."
The 28-year-old returned to the pitch for Flamengo in Sunday's Supercopa do Brasil loss to Corinthians, missing a late chance to equalize.
"I couldn't sleep," Paqueta said. "I demand a lot of myself."
He added that his time abroad had helped him mature both on and off the pitch.
"I come back a different person," he said. "I grew not only as a professional but also as a human being. I return more experienced and more prepared to deal with everything." ■
