Portugal Colonial - Paqueta 'suffering' over betting allegations says new Hammers boss Lopetegui

The 26-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Brazil at the Copa America, was charged in May with spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches.

Paqueta, however, has vowed to "fight with every breath" allegations he deliberately attempted to get booked as part of a betting scam in Premier League fixtures against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023 and Bournemouth in August 2023.

Lopetegui, speaking during his first press conference as West Ham manager, said Monday: "We know that he and his family are suffering a lot in this moment, but I like when I see him smiling in the last few months because he is enjoying football and he is playing very good football.

"We are his family. He has family in Brazil, and in England the club is his family.

"We are going to take care of him a lot and we are waiting and looking forward to seeing him on the pitch for us.

"The last match he played very well and I was happy to see him playing in this way. He's a very important part of our team."

Former Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has agreed a two-year contract at West Ham with the option of a third season.

The 57-year-old Spaniard, who has replaced David Moyes as Hammers boss, had been out of work since leaving Wolves on the eve of the last Premier League season.

One of Lopetegui's immediate tasks will be to ensure the likes of England international Jarrod Bowen and Ghana star Mohammed Kudus stay at the London Stadium, with Edson Alvarez suffering an injury while on international duty with Mexico.

"We are crossing our fingers because we suffered a big injury with Edson," said Lopetegui. "He is an important player and we want them to smile and for them to come back in the best condition because they are important players."

West Ham, who finished ninth last season, start the new Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on August 17.

"I think the Premier League is the best league in the world," said Lopetegui. "It is stronger, very demanding, but in the same way we love to be here.

"The environment the fans are able to create is very special. You cannot compare (it with other leagues) because it is the best competition in the world."

N.Esteves--PC