Lucas Paqueta misses a SITTER on debut as his new club Flamengo lose Brazilian Super Cup final days after his £36m bad-blood exit from West Ham

Lucas Paqueta missed a sitter in the dying moments of his debut for Flamengo as his new club suffered defeat in the Brazilian Super Cup final on Sunday night.

The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Brazilian outfit in a £36million move from West Ham United on Friday, exiting the club under acrimonious circumstances after expressing his wish to leave during the January transfer window.

Although the Hammers had discussed the possibility of Paqueta staying on loan for the remainder of the season, they ultimately chose to send the Brazilian to his boyhood club immediately after he had grown disillusioned with life in England.

Paqueta, who began his career at the Rio de Janeiro-based side, came on as a substitute to make his second debut for Flamengo against Corinthians in the Brazilian Super Cup final.

He was handed a glorious chance to equalise from close range in stoppage time but blazed his effort over the crossbar, devastating Flamengo fans and their manager, former Chelsea player Filipe Luis, who sank to his knees. 

Corinthians went on to win the final 2-0 thanks to goals from former Arsenal star Gabriel Paulista and Yuri Alberto.

The midfielder fluffed a glorious chance to equalise in the dying moments as Flamengo lost 2-0

After the match, Paqueta admitted: ‘I’m very sad. First, because of the chance I could have had to put Flamengo back in contention, and I ended up failing. Honestly, I can’t miss a goal like that. I understand my responsibility. 

‘I did what I could to be in this final. It’s just the beginning, and what I can promise is to work hard and find my best physical level again. 

‘There’s still a final this month, and I intend to help Flamengo win that title.’

Paqueta was referring to Flamengo’s CONMEBOL Recopa final against Argentina club Lanus, which is played over two legs and will crown the best team across South America’s premier club competitions.

Flamengo’s task on Sunday was made harder after Jorge Carrascal was sent off at half time for elbowing Breno Bidon, with Corinthians already leading thanks to Gabriel’s 26th-minute goal.

‘I think the team played a great game, despite having a player sent off,’ he added. ‘We went after it and chased our chances even with one less player. 

‘In the end, we really had the opportunity. I’m proud to be part of this team. They’ve achieved everything they’ve achieved, they’re high-level players, and I hope I can give my best.’

Paqueta’s desire to leave England came after the Brazilian was cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent disciplinary commission last summer.

His miss comes days after Paqueta sealed his bad-blood exit from West Ham for £36million

Former Man United player Memphis Depay lifts the trophy to celebrate Corinthians’ victory

The charges made by the Football Association in August 2023 ultimately cost him a potential transfer to Manchester City, and the midfielder remained at the London Stadium while the investigating was being carried out before expressing his desire to leave ahead of the January window.

West Ham have since signed Adama Traore from Fulham for £2m, who has himself endured a turbulent start to life at his new club after being sent off for grabbing Joao Pedro by the throat against Chelsea last week.