Lucas Paqueta breaks Man City transfer silence as betting probe fallout shows him 'special' side of David Moyes

Lucas Paqueta has opened up about his betting probe ordeal and how "special" David Moyes helped him get back on track.

His move from West Ham to Manchester City was halted due to an ongoing FA investigation into potential betting rule breaches. This also led to him being left out of the last three Brazil squads. However, the 26 year old has now been recalled for a friendly match against England by his former Flamengo coach, Dorival Junior.

Paqueta, who cost £50m, spoke publicly for the first time about the incident, saying it made him mentally stronger and improved his game this season. "In the beginning it was hard," he confessed. "But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances. Everything outside of football I left behind. My focus is on training, playing and developing my performances."

He also praised West Ham manager Moyes, saying: "David Moyes has been special for me. I have a good relationship with him. We talked about this. He wanted me on the team because of what I did last season. I think it was important because I have grown this season and have got better and better. My evolution was important from last season to this one. Without a shadow of doubt, the support allowed me to leave all this behind, it was essential," reports the Mirror.

Paqueta revealed that he was told "not to comment" on the betting investigation due to legal reasons. "It's been seven months since it's been happened and I'm co-operating, doing what's in my power so that it can be resolved," he said.

City are still interested in Paqueta - his contract holds an £85m buyout clause this summer - yet he plays a critical role for the Hammers. The Brazilian missed