Fans spot Lucas Paqueta’s deliberate move to Man City bench after failed transfer
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta made a point by going to hug Pep Guardiola before the Hammers played Manchester City on Saturday.
West Ham fans watched Paqueta head towards the City bench before a ball had even been kicked on Saturday afternoon at the London Stadium.
The Brazilian first shook Guardiola’s hand before hugging him, also greeting City assistant coach Juanma Lillo.
And West Ham supporters were not happy to see one of their players make the gesture before kick-off.
One fan said on Twitter: “Paqueta runs to Guardiola to beg a friend before kick-off. Pathetic.”
Another wrote: “Why did Packa shake Peps’ hand like that ffs. »
And a third said: “Paqueta is begging for it on the Man City bench. No respect.”
It comes after City attempted to sign West Ham in the summer, launching a £70million bid to lure him away from east London.
But the offer was rejected by the Hammers despite Paqueta telling the club he would like to join the Etihad.
City later dropped their interest after Paqueta became the subject of an FA betting investigation.
Instead, they made a move for Wolves’ Matheus Nunes, eventually landing their man after the midfielder’s strike.
The Portugal international signed for £53million, helping ease the problematic midfield left by Kevin de Bruyne’s injury.
The Belgian has been ruled out until next year due to injury, a major blow to City’s efforts to win back the Premier League.
West Ham, meanwhile, kept their man while adding Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to their midfield.
However, it remains to be seen how long they can keep Paqueta, although a move to City now appears unlikely.
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