Fans spot West Ham star Lucas Paqueta’s gesture to Man City bench after failed summer transfer

WEST HAM fans spotted Lucas Paqueta going over to hug Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola before the Hammers’ clash with the champions on Saturday.

The Brazilian midfielder, 26, was in talks over a move to the Etihad during the summer, before the deal collapsed.

DAZNLucas Paqueta went over to Pep Guardiola before West Ham’s clash with Manchester City[/caption]

Pep Guardiola Lucas Paquetá

El saludo del que pudo ser jugador del Manchester City con el que pudo ser su entrenador #PremierLeagueDAZN pic.twitter.com/QC3pC2vXPC

— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) September 16, 2023

ReutersPaqueta and Guardiola also hugged after the match[/caption]

But before a ball was kicked at the London Stadium, he made a point of heading over to Man City head coach Guardiola.

Paqueta hugged the Spaniard and also greeted assistant coach Juanma Lillo.

He also embraced Guardiola at full-time.

And many West Ham supporters were left furious with his actions.

Reacting on social media, one said: “Why did Paqueta shake Pep’s hand like that ffs?”

Another added: “Paqueta begging it to the Man City bench. No respect.”

While a replied: “Paqueta running over to Guardiola to beg friend before kick off. Pathetic.”

West Ham went on to lose the game 3-1 despite going in at half-time with a 1-0 lead.

James Ward-Prowse broke the deadlock for the hosts, before Man City levelled 43 seconds into the second period through Jeremy Doku.

Bernardo Silva then put Guardiola’s side in front in the 76th minute, before Erling Haaland added a late third.

Meanwhile, Paqueta has started all five of West Ham’s Premier League games so far this season.

Since arriving from Lyon for £51million last year, he has contributed six goals and eight assists in 46 matches for David Moyes’ men.