Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet announces retirement from football
Former West Ham and France midfielder Dimitri Payet has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38 following a 21-year career.
The creative playmaker revealed his decision during an emotional half-time interview at the Stade Velodrome as his former club Marseille hosted Lille in Ligue 1.
He had been without a club for nine months following a brief spell with Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.
Tears at the Stade Velodrome
Struggling to contain his emotions, the Reunion-born star confirmed the end of his playing days on the very pitch where he enjoyed two highly successful spells.
“I want to take two minutes to thank everybody, to thank all those who shared these 20 years with me. It was something exceptional,” he said.
“I come from an island and my dream was to become a professional. I made it and did it for 20 years at the highest level.”
“I managed to play for the national squad, and today is the end of a beautiful journey.”
A legacy of creativity
The set-piece specialist began his professional journey with Nantes in 2005 before establishing himself as one of Europe’s most entertaining attacking talents.
He became a cult hero during his time in the Premier League, dazzling supporters in east London with his spectacular long-range strikes and elite vision.
On the international stage, the veteran earned 38 caps and scored eight goals for Les Bleus.
He was a crucial component of the French squad that reached the final of Euro 2016, eventually suffering a narrow extra-time defeat to Portugal in Paris.
Despite never securing a major piece of silverware, the mercurial talent is widely remembered as a premier creative force of his generation.
