Paqueta, 28, was cleared of spot-fixing charges earlier in the season but was warned by The FA for his failure to cooperate with their investigation.
The FA had alleged that he intentionally got booked in four games to influence betting, but an independent commission found these charges unproven in July 2025, citing insufficient evidence.
His scandal all but destroyed any hopes of a potential deal with Man City back in 2023, and he admits he wanted out of West Ham this summer.
"The second moment (that he had talks with Flamengo), incredibly enough, was when I already knew I could continue playing normally (after the betting investigation)," Paqueta told Globoesporte.
"That's when I felt even more of a desire to return to Flamengo. Maybe I shouldn't even be saying this, but I had some conversations with Filipe (Luis), who is a friend, in addition to the work he's doing at Flamengo.
"I really expressed my desire to return and also showed it to my agents.
"It was a difficult decision because I'm 28 years old, I'm very young, and I still have a lot of market value out here.
"I've been doing my job well, but it was a very strong desire. I tried very hard, but unfortunately, once again, I decided to respect my club, not to force anything, because it's a club that supported me, that I have enormous affection for.
"I understood that it wasn't the right time, but I know the doors will always be open for me. I know that at some point this return will happen."