Lucas Paquetá still affected by spot-fixing ordeal says Nuno Espírito Santo | OneFootball

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo says Lucas Paquetá (28) is still carrying the emotional burden of his two-year spot-fixing ordeal, admitting the midfielder remains “not OK” despite being cleared of all charges earlier this year, as reported by BBC Sport.

Paquetá, who faced the threat of a lifetime ban before an independent commission ruled four Football Association allegations “not proven” in July, was sent off for dissent in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Liverpool. Speaking afterwards, the Brazilian suggested his reaction was a consequence of “everything I have had to endure”, criticising what he believes was a lack of psychological support during the investigation.

Nuno, addressing the incident on Tuesday, said the midfielder continues to struggle with the legacy of the inquiry but is determined to rebuild. “I think it is affecting him,” the West Ham boss said. “But he is willing to move forward, to try and put this aside and continue to play football in the way that he does. He is suffering, he is disappointed and upset, but he realises the mistake he made and has apologised.”

Paquetá’s wife has previously described the investigation as a “nightmare”, while the player’s representatives said he felt an “enormous weight off his chest” after being cleared. Yet Sunday’s quickfire yellow cards, his first appearance after a suspension for accumulation, underlined how raw the experience remains.

The 28-year-old will miss Thursday’s trip to Manchester United but will return for Sunday’s meeting with Brighton. Nuno insists Paquetá remains “definitely happy” at West Ham despite renewed speculation over his future.

GFN | Finn Entwistle