LUCAS PAQUETA has claimed he turned down TWO Premier League clubs to secure a dream return to Flamengo.
The Brazilian is back in his homeland after they thrashed out a deal with West Ham to get the move over the line in a move worth over £35million.
The 28-year-old had to wait patiently as the two clubs went back and forward at the negotiation table.
But after arriving at his new club, Paqueta has revealed he had options to remain in England – but he snubbed both Chelsea AND Tottenham.
Speaking to Flamengo TV on Thursday, he claimed: “Tottenham called, Chelsea called, and the funny thing is that Tata (his agent) called all excited and said: “Chelsea’s calling, they’re gonna make an offer.”
“I replied: ‘Okay, but what about Flamengo?’ He said: “Are you serious?”
“I said: ‘Yeah, I don’t care about that. I want to hear about Flamengo’, and that’s how it all turned out.”
On his arrival back in Brazil, the Flamengo fans turned out in huge numbers to mob the superstar after his emotional return.
The day after his welcome home, he took to social media to post a message alongside images of him putting pen to paper alongside his family.
He wrote: “I was born to love you, nothing will separate us.
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“I’d give up everything in this life just to be with you.
“The crazy things I did, the loves I left behind, so many things I lost, but I never abandoned you.
“Many may criticise, but no one will understand, because only those who are Flamengo fans can comprehend me. We love you, Flamengo.
“Glory and honour to God for this unique moment in my life! Process, promise, purpose.”
