“But the news is incredibly positive. If it had gone the other way, there would have been a whole other line of questions.<\/p>\n
“Lucas is happy and committed. He is an important person in dressing room and at the club and we love him. We just want to help him enjoy his football.<\/p>\n
“You can imagine on a personal level for him, having to fight those allegations was an incredible challenge for him. It has been a really tough period in his life and career.<\/p>\n
“It is a credit to him and his family and everyone who has supported him that he has come through.”<\/p>\n
As the written reasons are yet to be published, it is still not known whether Paqueta will take legal action against the FA.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Antonio looks to be surplus to Potter’s plans.<\/p>\n
Asked whether the 35-year-old would be part of his squad for the forthcoming campaign following the signing of another veteran frontman \u2013 and Antonio’s former podcast partner \u2013 Callum Wilson on a free transfer, Potter said simply: “No.”<\/p>\n
Last month, the club said no formal decision had been made on the player whose contract expired at the end of the month.<\/p>\n
“As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club’s absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level,” said a statement.<\/p>\n
There had been no update on that prior to Potter’s answer.<\/p>\n