West Ham United’s latest summer signing Lucas Paquetá cannot wait to pull on his new colours in front of the Claret & Blue Army at London Stadium.
The Brazil international became the Club’s record signing when he put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal, with the option for a further year, on Monday.
Lucas Paquetá joins from French side Olympique Lyonnais, having served his footballing apprenticeship with Flamengo in his homeland, before first moving to Europe with Italian giants AC Milan.
Now, having taken the next step in his career by arriving in the Premier League with the Irons, the 2019 Copa América winner is looking forward to the prospect of playing in front of more than 60,000 West Ham United fans in east London.
“I am really glad to wear the West Ham jersey. I hope it will be a successful journey and I hope that we have a bright season,” the 25-year-old said.
“When the fans look at me they will see dedication and commitment. I will always give everything to perform well and help West Ham to win.
“I can comfortably play in two positions, No8 and No10, but mostly I just love to be on the pitch. I want to help my teammates and the Club.”
Lucas Paquetà is well aware of the quality in the Hammers’ ranks, having been part of the Lyon side defeated by David Moyes’ men in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals last term.
Now he has taken his talents to east London, he has revealed some legendary figures from the Club’s past can only serve as motivation to succeed.
“Firstly, I should seek for a blessing from Club legend Geoff Hurst!” he smiled. “The Club has a beautiful history and last season we did great! I hope we can repeat it and have a great season this campaign.
“[The squad is full of] excellent players and we had two tough games last season. I am aware of the high quality of my teammates. I hope we can have great chemistry and have a great season.”
The Hammers are aiming for another lengthy European tour this term, having progressed to the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League, and Lucas Paquetá is determined to help his new team go even further than last season's run.
And with derbies against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea marking his first week with the Club, he knows it is an exciting time to arrive.
“Of course it’s appealing to play in the Conference League and yes West Ham aims to win it. This Club should aim to win all trophies in which we are involved, and we will try our best to conquer it.
“Looking at the fixtures [coming up] was the first thing I did! I was happy because I love to play derbies and I believe we can play well and win.
“It will be very tough, but it’s a derby and the support from the fans will be crucial. We must prepare in order to win it.”
The 33-times capped Brazil international will have some familiar faces to help him settle in with the Hammers, with his former Lyon teammates Maxwel Cornet and Emerson Palmeiri having also signed for the Club this summer.
Lucas Paquetá is thrilled to be teaming up with the pair again and is sure the trio can succeed at their new home.
He added: “Having played with Emerson and Cornet will definitely help me during my adaptation process to the Club and also it’s useful that I know them in order to link up on the field.”
