West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá is facing a difficult time, as revealed by his wife, Maria Eduarda Fournier.
Fournier said the family has been “living a nightmare for two years” due to an ongoing investigation into alleged match-fixing.The Brazilian international awaits the outcome of a hearing by the English Football Association regarding charges related to betting.
He is accused of intentionally receiving four yellow cards in Premier League matches for betting purposes.
If found guilty, Paquetá could face a lifetime ban.
The player has denied any wrongdoing.
My husband has a posture and a strength that I admire and that impresses me. We have been living this nightmare for two years and he has always been strong… He always had in mind that he would only defend himself at the right time and place… Anyway, God knows all things, and only He knows why we are going through this. And it is only because of Him that we are well and living happily as a family. I just want people to respect that. People are mean and unfair without knowing anything.
Maria Eduarda Fournier
Paquetá was seen crying after receiving a yellow card during the 1-1 draw against Tottenham.
The player was consoled by his teammates and substituted by West Ham coach Graham Potter.
Potter stated in a press conference that he believes Paquetá’s tears were the result of frustration.
I think he’s a player who is giving his best and wants the situation to improve and probably got a little frustrated with the action. So you see a human being, not perfect, but I love Lucas. He has given everything and is also in difficult circumstances. He has given everything and now he is absolutely fine.
Graham Potter
