Lucas Paqueta revealed that he wanted to return to Flamengo during the summer transfer window, but opted not to force a move away from West Ham.

The midfielder represented Flamengo before joining AC Milan during the 2018-19 season, registering 11 goals and two assists in 49 league matches for the Brazilian club.

Paqueta reportedly attracted interest from Flamengo over the past two seasons, which the midfielder confirmed, while Aston Villa were also linked with the 28-year-old.

West Ham have struggled this season, with Nuno Espirito Santo taking over from Graham Potter at the helm, as the Hammers sit 18th in the Premier League.

Paqueta has scored three goals in 11 league games so far, one fewer than his season-best at the club (four, in each of his previous three seasons).

Although he chose to stay with the Hammers out of respect, he insisted that he would return to Flamengo at some point in his career.

"The second moment [that he had talks with Flamengo], incredibly enough, was when I already knew I could continue playing normally [after the betting investigation]," Paqueta told Globoesporte.

"That's when I felt even more of a desire to return to Flamengo. Maybe I shouldn't even be saying this, but I had some conversations with [Flamengo coach] Filipe [Luis], who is a friend, in addition to the work he's doing at Flamengo.

"I really expressed my desire to return and also showed it to my agents.

"It was a difficult decision because I'm 28 years old, I'm very young, and I still have a lot of market value out here.

"I've been doing my job well, but it was a very strong desire. I tried very hard, but unfortunately, once again, I decided to respect my club, not to force anything, because it's a club that supported me, that I have enormous affection for.

"I understood that it wasn't the right time, but I know the doors will always be open for me. I know that at some point this return will happen."