Paquetá speaks out after turning down Chelsea offer to play for Flamengo | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá emphasizes his dream of playing in the Champions League, but places greater importance on wearing the Sacred Mantle

Flamengo and Lucas Paquetá have agreed on a reunion after the midfielder spent seven years in Europe. However, the return of the star to the team that developed him came at the cost, for example, of the opportunity to play in the Champions League, but the player stated this Monday (02) that love spoke louder.

— (…) Everyone knows, as has been said a few times, that I did have the possibility to stay in European football, with perhaps an offer from Chelsea (ENG), to play in the Champions League. And those were some dreams that I weighed on the scale — highlighted Paquetá, who added:

— I had this dream alive of playing in the Champions League, something I spent seven years in Europe without the opportunity to do, and now it came up, because by going to Chelsea, I could have had that chance. But I also had the dream of returning to Flamengo, fighting for titles, and building a winning story, and I chose this one, because I know I will be happy here — said the midfielder during his presentation at Flamengo's training center.

Did Paquetá really have offers from Chelsea?

This is not the first time the new signing has mentioned the offer to play for the English giant instead of returning to Flamengo. Moreover, the star also spoke about interest from Tottenham (ENG), but he gave up earning in pounds and playing in the Champions League.

When will the midfielder debut for Flamengo?

Thus, the former West Ham (ENG) player arrived at Mais Querido last week and made his debut last Sunday (01). However, the player only came on in the second half of the 2-0 defeat to Corinthians in the Supercopa Rei, in Brasília.

The idol's return to Maracanã, however, could happen on Wednesday (04). That’s because Flamengo faces Internacional in the second round of the Brasileirão. Furthermore, Mengão still has the Carioca to worry about.

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