"I've Always Really Liked City" - Lucas Paqueta Reveals Manchester City Regret in Real Madrid And Barcelona Snub

"I've Always Really Liked City" - Lucas Paqueta Reveals Manchester City Regret in Real Madrid And Barcelona Snub The 29-year-old started his senior career with boyhood club Flamengo in 2016, followed by a move to AC Milan in January 2019. He then joined Lyon in September 2020. After spending two seasons at the Ligue 1 side, Paqueta signed a five-year contract with West Ham in August 2022 for a reported club-record fee of about £51 million. Back in August 2023, the Football Association launched an investigation into Paqueta, who was then charged in May the following year for allegedly getting booked deliberately 'for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market'. The four charges against the midfielder, who was facing the prospect of a lifetime ban if found guilty, were related to a Premier League game against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, along with 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, Leeds United on May 21 and Bournemouth on August 12. Later in July 2025, about two years after the FA launched the investigation, Paqueta, who denied all accusations from the start, was cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission following a hearing. He was also charged with two counts of failing to co-operate with the investigation after breaching "FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2", which involves providing information and documents. While the Flamengo graduate also denied those charges, the regulatory commission found them to be proven, following which he avoided a suspension and instead received a reprimand and a formal warning. Prior to the beginning of the FA investigation, reports suggested that Paqueta was set to make an £80 million move to Manchester City in August 2023, however, the potential deal fell through as the accusations came to light. I didn’t end up going to City because of the investigation, says Paqueta three years on from failed Etihad Stadium transfer After being cleared of the charges, Paqueta parted ways with West Ham and returned to Flamengo in January 2026 for a reported fee of £35.5 million in an apparent attempt to put the betting scandal behind him. Despite being proven innocent, the midfielder was impacted by the accusations and public fallout, including his failed move to the Etihad Stadium, which, as per several reports, was almost a done deal prior to the allegations. According to a report by O Matogrossense , as relayed by Sport Witness , the Brazilian recently appeared on a live broadcast on TikTok, where he addressed the missed opportunity, mentioning that while he does not regret his choice, the investigation derailed his possible transfer to Manchester City . Paqueta said: “I didn’t end up going to City because of the investigation I went through, you, see?” In the conversation, a participant mentioned clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​asking if Paqueta really wanted to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s squad in Manchester. “No, it was City. It was City. I’ve always really liked City," the midfielder added. The midfielder further explained that by the time the case against him was dismissed, his dream move to Manchester City was no longer on the cards, as he was at a different stage of his career. Paqueta left West Ham in January 2026 after making 139 appearances, having registered 23 goals and 15 assists. Since his return to Flamengo, the 2019 Copa America winner has featured in 24 matches in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, netting seven goals and providing one assist.