Lucas Paqueta has been branded ‘desperate’ after being caught embracing Pep Guardiola before West Ham’s defeat to Manchester City.
In the summer, the Brazilian was the subject of interest from City, who were willing to shell out £80million on the midfielder. However, the chances of Paqueta landing a move to the Etihad were reportedly scuppered, at least for now, after it emerged he was the subject of an FA investigation for alleged betting breaches in his homeland. FIFA are also believed to be looking into the matter.
Amid the betting probe, he remains available for selection by David Moyes, although Paqueta was cosying up to his manager’s opposite ahead of kick-off at the London Stadium on Saturday.
READ MORE: Mason Greenwood receives public showing of support from Man Utd player for first time
READ MORE: Football punter wins colossal £55,000 from £8 acca in 'bet of the season so far'
Bizarrely, Paqueta made a point of going over to the City bench and embracing Guardiola and shaking hands with members of the visitors' coaching team. Unsurprisingly, Hammers fans weren’t impressed, with some branding him 'desperate' and accusing him of 'disrespecting' the club.
One fan derided the move, saying: “Paqueta was proper creepy cuddling Guardiola just before kick-off. What an a*** licker.” A second asked: “Why is Paqueta going to greet Guardiola????? So weird.”
What do you think of Paqueta embracing Guardiola before the match? Tell us in the comments section below
James Murray, writing for the West Ham Zone website, said: “There would have been no harm in him shaking hands with the Spaniard after the match and even having a word with him in private, but to do it before the contest had even started – in plain sight – was disrespectful to the fans and his current employers.”
TNT is the only place you can watch all the action from the Champions League this year. You can see every game from the group stage right through to the final as Manchester City look to defend their crown as the newest kings of the World's biggest and best football tournament.
£29.99 a month
Meanwhile, since Saturday, reports have emerged claiming Newcastle are preparing a £52million bid for Paqueta in January. According to Spanish site Fichajes, the investigation into the 26-year-old hasn't deterred Magpies boss Eddie Howe, who is said to be a long-term admirer of the player.
Source: Read Full Article