An Open Letter from Lucas Paquetá
To West Ham United FC, the Supporters, and the Entire West Ham Family
Stratford, London —
To everyone who has been a part of my journey at West Ham United,
I write this letter with a full heart — one filled with gratitude, emotion, and deep appreciation for everything I have experienced since the day I arrived in East London. This past year has been one of the most transformative of my life — not just as a footballer, but as a man.
When I signed for West Ham, I was stepping into a new country, a new league, and a new chapter. I came here with a dream to grow, to compete, and to represent the badge with pride. What I didn’t expect — and what I will always cherish — is the way this club and this community opened its arms to me. From the very beginning, you made me feel like I belonged.
To the fans: Your passion is the heartbeat of this club. Whether at the London Stadium or away from home, in the rain or under the lights, your voices lifted me. Your support made every goal more meaningful, every tackle more purposeful. I’ve felt your love on the pitch, and I’ve seen it in the streets, in the messages, in the eyes of young fans who dream just like I did. Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for making me feel at home.
To my teammates: You are my brothers. We’ve celebrated together, suffered together, and grown together. Football is a team sport, and what we built inside the dressing room — the trust, the camaraderie, the spirit — is something I will never forget. Every training session, every match, every shared smile and frustration — it all meant something.
To the coaching staff and every person behind the scenes at West Ham — from the physios to the chefs, from the kit men to the analysts — thank you for your dedication. Your belief in me helped me believe in myself. You created an environment where I could be myself, express my game, and push through challenges.
To the city of London, and especially to Stratford — thank you for becoming home for me and my family. We felt welcomed, safe, and part of something bigger than football.
As I write this, my future remains uncertain. There are always things in football we cannot predict. But what I do know is that West Ham United has become a part of my story forever. Whether I continue here or take another path, I carry this club with me. I carry your songs, your hopes, your spirit.
This is not goodbye. This is thank you. For your love, your support, and the opportunity to grow — not just in football, but in life.
Forever grateful,
Lucas Paquetá