Paqueta: I needed psychological help

HAMMERS STAR OPENS UP ON SPOT-FIX HELL

- BY NEIL McLEMAN

LUCAS PAQUETA has revealed he needed “psychological support” after his transfer to Manchester City collapsed when he was charged with spot-fixing.

The West Ham star claimed he “lost a leap in my career” as he opened up for the first time on the damaging impact of the allegations on his life and career.

Paqueta had been poised to sign for City for £80m in August 2023.

But the deal fell through when he was investigated by the FA for allegedly deliberately getting booked in four matches to allow friends and family to bet on his yellow cards.

The Hammers playmaker was eventually cleared in July this year and his lawyer, Alastair Campbell, publicly raised the possibility of a lawsuit against the FA for “lost earnings” - including the “immeasurable” loss of the £80m City deal.