Dimitri Payet, the former France international and West Ham United midfielder, has announced his retirement at the age of 38.
The attacking midfielder, who also played for Marseille, revealed his decision during a half-time interview at the match between Marseille and Lille on Sunday. Payet, who was born on Reunion Island, stated that he had fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Payet’s Time at West Ham
Payet joined West Ham from Marseille in June 2015 for a fee of £10.7m. He made 48 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, contributing 11 goals and 18 assists. Payet became a fan favourite during his time at West Ham.
However, he moved back to Marseille in January 2017 for £25m, against the club’s wishes, to “return to his roots”. He scored 15 goals in 60 games for West Ham.
International Career with France
Payet earned 38 caps for France. He was part of the squad that reached the final of Euro 2016, where France lost to Portugal.
Reflections on a 20-Year Career
Payet thanked everyone who had shared his 20 years as a player. “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.
Payet added, “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.”
Payet’s career also included spells at Nantes, St-Etienne, Lille and Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. Vasco da Gama was the final club of his career, leaving last summer.