Lucas Paquetá has graced football grounds all over the world with his outstanding talents, and now the West Ham United star is set to grace Wembley Stadium for the first time.
Paquetá and his Brazil teammates will take on Jarrod Bowen’s England at the Home of Football for the first time since 2017 on Saturday evening in a friendly international that marks Dorival Júnior’s first game in charge of the Seleção.
The Hammers midfielder played under the new head coach during his time with Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018, and has a lot of respect for the 61-year-old, as he does for the historic venue he hopes to play at this weekend.
“Wembley is one of football’s greatest stages that we dream of being able to enjoy,” he said, speaking in a press conference. “I’ve never played there. I hope it’s special, that we can win and that it will remain in my life.
“I’m very happy. I worked with Professor Dorival at the end of my career at Flamengo, it was an incredible experience. I’m happy for being called up, for the recognition of my work. Being in the national team has always been my dream, every child’s dream. By returning, I feel even more privileged.”
Paquetá has 42 caps and nine goals for his country, but has not represented Brazil since June 2023 – the same month he helped West Ham win the UEFA Europa Conference League – and is looking forward to pulling on the famous canary yellow shirt again.
“My first call-up was in 2018, since then it’s been six years and I’ve only been left out of four or five (squads),” he continued. “The responsibility is great and it only grows with each call-up, each return. I hope to help in the best way possible, whether on or off the field.”
Speaking of West Ham, the 26-year-old has been in fine form in recent weeks, with his return from injury sparking a run of one defeat in six matches that has seen the Irons reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals and continue their challenge for a top-seven Premier League finish.
And the player lauded the support of his Club manager David Moyes when talking about a season that has brought challenges with it.
“My relationship with David Moyes is very good,” he said. “It is a healthy relationship. We talked about this. He wanted me on the team because of what I did last season. Without a shadow of doubt, the support he gave me… it was essential.
“He was special for me and his support was important for me. He said he wanted me playing in the team – that confidence was very important for me.”
Brazil’s friendly with England will be broadcast live in the UK by Channel 4, with kick-off at 7pm GMT.
