Premier League star flees UK as ‘scam’ costs him £1m months after ‘dream’ transfer

On Mar 16, 2023

Premier League star Gustavo Scarpa has fled back to his homeland to deal with an alleged cryptocurrency scam, which could cost him an eye-watering £1m.

The Brazilian midfielder, 29, linked up with new club Nottingham Forest as their 24th addition of the 2022/23 season, making his debut as a substitute in a narrow 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Southampton. Scarpa has since made four Premier League appearances for the east Midlanders but has been absent from their last four matches as he deals with an issue back in his native country.

The playmaker has been granted special dispensation to return by Steve Cooper and has flown home to take on three companies that have failed to pay back his initial investment fees.

According to ESPN in Brazil, Scarpa was promised returns of 3.5 to 5% by three crypto companies but has been unable to claim his money back after getting cold feet on the investment opportunity. It’s said Scarpa has taken three companies to the 10th Civil Court of Sao Paulo.

Head Coach Cooper admitted the midfielder has been allowed to leave the club for personal reasons.

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Steve Cooper has given Scarpa special permission to leave Forest and sort out the financial issue

He told reporters: “I can tell you that he has had some personal issues to sort out and we are giving him our support, which has been inclusive of allowing him to travel back [to Brazil].”

Joining on a free transfer from Palmeiras, Scarpa penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with the newly-promoted side on the opening day of the winter window. He described the transfer as a “dream move” in his first interview at Wilford Lane.

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Scarpa was Forest's 24th signing of the season — Scarpa was Forest’s 24th signing of the season

“I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream for me. It’s a new challenge and I can’t wait for it to begin. It’s always been an ambition since I was a little kid to play in Europe, and my dream is to play in the Premier League.

“I’m a technical player but also I’ve developed my game defensively over the past couple of seasons. I’m very dedicated, hard-working and I’m excited to get started now.”