Paquetá rejects ‘job done’ at Flamengo, focus clear after Cup call-up | OneFootball

Paquetá is on the Brazil national team call-up list for the 2026 World Cup

Called up by the Brazil national team for the World Cup, Lucas Paquetá made it clear that a spot at the World Cup does not lessen his hunger for titles at Flamengo. After the 1-0 win over Estudiantes (ARG) this Wednesday (20), the midfielder dismissed any feeling of “mission accomplished” because of the call-up from Carlo Ancelotti and assured that his main focus remains lifting trophies in the Sacred Shirt.

— (Mission accomplished?) No, no. Of course not. I think the affection, the love I received, the welcome, that was what I expected. That I did find, but obviously I still have dreams to fulfill here, to win wearing this shirt. So we’re going to work very hard to make that dream come true -, he said.

GOALS IN THE WAY?

It is worth remembering that, after years in European football, Paquetá chose to return to Flamengo, the club that introduced him to the world. So far, the midfielder has lifted the Campeonato Carioca trophy in this new spell, but he has never hidden his obsession with major national and international titles in the Sacred Shirt.

In fact, the No. 20 stamped that ambition on the pitch this Wednesday (20), when he helped Mengão secure a place in the round of 16 of the Libertadores. As the red-and-black club begins its journey toward a fifth South American title, the star is chasing a first-ever achievement for his personal résumé.

PAQUETÁ AT THE WORLD CUP?

Because of the call-up, Paquetá will join the Brazil national team on May 27 to begin training for the World Cup. Until then, the midfielder remains available to the Flamengo coaching staff for the scheduled matches.

Therefore, the player will strengthen the Rubro-Negro this Saturday (23) against Palmeiras, in the 17th round of the Brasileirão. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. (Brasília time), and Coluna do Fla will bring full coverage of the derby.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.