Lucas Paqueta Pays Tribute to Vinicius Jr. After Joining Flamengo

Lucas Paqueta joined his former club, Flamengo, from West Ham United in a surprise move earlier this week.

The Brazilian midfielder has chosen to pay tribute to his friend and former Flamengo star Vinicius Jr. by picking a special shirt number.

Lucas Paqueta Becomes the Most Expensive Arrival in Brazil

After a turbulent few weeks at West Ham, Lucas Paqueta finally announced his switch to Flamengo on Wednesday night. West Ham refused Flamengo’s second bid for Paqueta earlier this month, forcing them to return with an improved offer.

According to ESPN, the Hammers have accepted a £35.8 million ($49.4 million) offer for the Brazilian midfielder, making him the most expensive player signed by a Brazilian club.

It has taken an immense financial commitment for Flamengo to bring the player back, and Paqueta is eager to prove his worth.

 

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The 28-year-old told Flamengo TV:

“Maybe Flamengo didn’t need me, but I needed Flamengo. I’m very happy to see all the affection, because I feel very identified. I’m one of you (fans) on the pitch, and I can promise you that won’t change. My heart is red-black, and I will demonstrate that on the field.”

Paqueta Honours Vinicius Jr. By Taking No. 20 Shirt

On Instagram, Lucas Paqueta confirmed that he would be wearing  No. 20 for Flamengo. And according to reports, he has picked the number to pay tribute to Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

 

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Vinicius Jr. caught Real Madrid’s eyes during his time with Flamengo. He wore No. 20 for the Serie A club until his departure in 2018. Vinicius Jr. sported that number at Real Madrid until switching to No. 7 in June 2023.

Paqueta and Vinicius Jr. share a strong relationship. They both represent Brazil internationally and began their careers at Ninho do Urubu – the youth academy of Flamengo.

Vinicius Was Eager for Paqueta to Return to Flamengo

Vinicius Jr. said he kept a close eye on Paqueta’s transfer saga. He suggested Paqueta was no longer happy at West Ham, and he wished for his friend to find his happiness again at Flamengo.

Commenting on Paqueta’s transfer saga, Vinicius said last week:

“Every day I ask my managers, who are the same managers as him, I always send him messages too.

“I wish him happiness. His happiness is mine, and Flamengo’s happiness is ours. Now it’s going to be a complete package. God willing, in the next few days, he can finalise this contract and have a great year to help Flamengo, obviously, and us in the Brazilian national team.”

Vinicius Jr. and Paqueta have shared the pitch 77 times for club and country. They have combined for six goals, with each player scoring three.