Neymar has spoken out about his fellow Brazilian Lucas Paqueta after criticism of the West Ham star this weekend.
Things have been far from easy for West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico Lucas Paqueta over the last year.
When allegations of spot fixing were levelled against him last summer it scuppered a “dream” move to Manchester City.
It also saw West Ham miss out on an £85m pay day with the club reportedly happy to sell.
It was reported Man City were ‘more determined than ever’ to sign Paqueta this summer.
But the FA elected to officially charge the Hammers playmaker recently – putting his fate in the hands of an independent three-person panel.
His form for West Ham fell off a cliff in the second half of last season and supporters were not happy his body language and actions as he failed to go over to them following defeat at Bayer Leverkusen.
Paqueta was brainlessly booked in that game, ruling him out of the crucial home leg as West Ham were beaten 3-1 on aggregate by the German champions.
Tough times for West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico
One bright spot for Paqueta was his return to the Brazil fold after being exiled since the allegations emerged.
Brazil have been in the doldrums since they were heavily criticised following their exit from the Qatar World Cup.
West Ham’s record signing is in the Brazil squad for the Copa America, playing in a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica and a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
The Brazilian was involved in three key incidents during the Samba Boys’ convincing 4-1 win.
First he missed a penalty, much to the annoyance of his Brazil’s fans.
Four minutes later he responded with a wonderful assist for his best friend Vinicius Junior. And in the second half he made up for his earlier error from the spot, by scoring a penalty.
That was not enough to save the Hammers ace from criticism, though.
A very influential figure has leapt to the West Ham man’s defence.
Neymar speaks out about West Ham star Paqueta after criticism
Neymar has spoken out about West Ham star Paqueta after criticism of his performance and inclusion in the team.
Paqueta may be coveted by Man City and adored by many West Ham fans.
But he is not universally loved or appreciated in Brazil and never has been.
One look at social media during Brazil matches tells you that.
Like many of Brazil’s current crop, they cannot get close to the levels of the legends who went before them.
But Neymar took umbrage to the criticism when one Brazil observer said the West Ham star ‘didn’t fit the team’.
“Paqueta cannot fit into this cast,” the fan said.
“I don’t understand why (manager) Dorival doesn’t know he needs to change.”
Neymar mocks fan for questioning Paqueta
Neymar responded with a savage take down, saying “assist and goal…you’re good” followed by a number of laughing emojis.
After the game Neymar, currently recovering from a long-term injury, was pictured chatting with Paqueta after visiting the changing room.
And Paqueta posted about him on his own Instagram, telling him he loves him.
“I miss you Neymar, I love you,” Paqueta said with Neymar reposting the message and responding with heart emojis.
Neymar’s influence in Brazil goes without saying.
He surpassed Pele as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 to 77.
With 128 caps he is also second on Brazil’s all-time list of appearances behind Cafu (142).
Given the West Ham man’s self-professed love for Neymar, his words will no doubt be the shot in the arm Paqueta needs right now.
Brazil now face Colombia in a Copa America Group D decider on Wednesday.