Global superstar Neymar has responded to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta after he poured his heart out on social media.
Things appear to be taking their toll on West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico Lucas Paqueta.
It has been far from easy for Paqueta – and the Hammers – over the last year.
Allegations of spot fixing were levelled against the 26-year-old last summer. That put paid to a “dream” move to Manchester City.
As a result West Ham also missed out on an £85m pay day with the club reportedly happy to sell to help fund a major rebuild led by Tim Steidten.
It was reported Man City were ‘more determined than ever’ to sign Paqueta this summer.
But any chance of a move was scuppered once again when the FA announced they were officially charging the West Ham playmaker.
Paqueta’s fate now rests in the hands of an independent three-person panel.
The skilful star’s form for the Hammers fell off a cliff in the second half of last season.
Tough times for West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico
Some West Ham fans were also not happy with his body language and actions – particularly when he failed acknowledge them after defeat in the Europa League quarter-final at Bayer Leverkusen in which he was brainlessly booked despite knowing it would see him banned for the crucial second leg.
If Paqueta was looking for respite after being recalled to the Brazil squad for the Copa America then he has been left wanting.
He and his Selecao teammates have been lambasted by their country’s press after being knocked out of the Copa America by Uruguay on penalties at the weekend.
It came amid rumours Flamengo want to bring Paqueta back to Brazil from West Ham and that the player is keen to return.
There has been talk of both a discounted permanent deal and loan with an obligation to buy should Paqueta eventually be absolved of wrongdoing by the panel.
Everything seems to be getting on top of the West Ham midfielder.
And after a period of reflection he has taken to social media with a message.
Neymar has responded as West Ham star Paqueta pours his heart out.
Neymar responds as West Ham star Paqueta pours heart out
And reading between the lines the message seems to be about more than just Brazil’s struggles with the Hammers ace admitting he has found himself asking a higher power why he must go through such trying times.
“After a few days of reflecting on everything, the feeling of sadness still haunts me day and night!” Paqueta said on Instagram.
“Another penalty shootout… I confess that sometimes I ask God why I go through moments like this! But then I remember that nothing in my life came easy, I’ve always had to fight hard to conquer what I conquered, nobody gave me anything, and it wouldn’t be any different now.
“I have had to get up and fight others many times. And with the strength of God, my family and all of you who support, it was always possible! And so it will be again! Brazil will smile again and we athletes are part of it! We will fight and get the top again, TOGETHER!”
Lopetegui made West Ham’s feelings clear on Paqueta
Neymar responded to Paqueta’s post simply with a heart emoji.
Paqueta’s wife Duda Fournier also replied, saying: “You make me proud!”
Paqueta’s post comes just days after new West Ham’s new head coach Julen Lopetegui and technical director Steidten publicly backed him.
They both told Paqueta that he is part of the West Ham family and the club were going to look after him.
“We know he and his family have suffered with things recently,” Lopetegui said.
“But we are his family and we’re looking forward to having him back on the pitch playing with us.”