Guest Post on Lucas Paqueta’s Forced Exit From West Ham

Firstly, I know many will disagree with me, but this is just my opinion.

I’ve always been a sucker for a player with that South American flair, but I also recognise it often comes with a ‘lively’ temperament too! You’ve got to be prepared for the good and the bad.

I never think it’s right for a player to refuse to play—the club pays your wages, so you should do as they ask or request a move in the proper way.

But what we learned when dealing with a certain Frenchman is that there’s very little a club can do if a player uses that tactic. Nobody wants to see a player clearly not trying on the pitch—it wastes a place and you know you won’t get their best.

Many will say he’s been too unreliable for a while and might as well go. I understand that feeling of being let down. But…

We need to remember what the FA has put Lucas Paqueta through for almost two years. I can’t recall another case so long and drawn-out against an active player—maybe others can? The strain it must...