Lucas Paqueta has completed his emotional return to his boyhood club Flamengo after agitating for a transfer away from West Ham amid a turbulent season for the east London side.
The Brazil international had missed West Ham's last three matches with a minor back complaint after communicating his desire to move back to his homeland, after becoming disillusioned with life in England in the wake of fighting the FA's long-running spot-fixing allegations.
The 28-year-old was cleared by an independent disciplinary commission last summer, but became increasingly intent on a move away from the London Stadium with the opening of the January transfer window.
After a tussle between the two clubs over Paqueta's £35.8million fee was settled this week, Paqueta touched down in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, were he was greeted by throngs of adoring fans.
A day later, and Paqueta shared his true feelings on returning to the Maracana nearly seven years after his first departure on social media.
'I was born to love you, nothing will separate us,' Paqueta wrote alongside pictures of him signing his new deal with his family. '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 (red heart and black heart emojis)
'Glory and honor to God for this unique moment in my life! Process, promise, purpose (pointing finger, red heart, flaming heart emojis).'
Flamengo shared their own tribute to their new midfielder, a compilation of footage captured during his youth and senior careers at the club with the caption: 'Flamengo needs you too, LUCAS PAQUETA! THANK GOODNESS YOU'RE BACK!'
Such was Paqueta's desire to rejoin his boyhood club that he claims he brushed aside the advances for two Premier League big beasts, telling Flamengo TV on Thursday: '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.'
Paqueta was previously under strong consideration at Manchester City over the summer of 2023, with the Premier League serial champions tabling a bid worth £80m to secure the star.
But the complications surrounding his allegations of spot-fixing derailed the potential move.
West Ham have agreed to receive Paqueta's fee from the Brazilian club in instalments through 2028, with the two parties having spent several weeks hammering out the deal.
At one stage, West Ham were keen to secure Paqueta on loan for the remainder of the season to allow the player to contribute to their fight to avoid relegation.
The Hammers sit in 18th, five points behind their closest rivals outside of the relegation zone, Nottingham Forest.
