Official | Dimitri Payet leaves Marseille
During a press conference on Friday, Pablo Longoria announced that an emotional Dimitri Payet (36) will leave Olympique de Marseille. The former France international had a year left on his deal with Les Phocéens.
Over the course of his career, Payet has spent eight seasons with Marseille. During that time, he featured for the club on 326 occasions, during which time he scored 78 goals and registered 95 assists. At the beginning of the conference, Longoria announced Payet’s premature departure, describing the decision as “not an easy moment.”
Payet fell out of favour under Igor Tudor last season and saw his game time limited. However, the Croat left at the end of the season. It was unclear whether he figured in the plans of new manager Marcelino, however, Payet revealed that prior to the return to pre-season, he had an “honest, frank and sincere” conversation with Longoria, during which it was stated that he was surplus to requirements.
The former West Ham United forward then revealed that he was offered the chance to join Marseille’s coaching staff, an offer that was ultimately rejected. Payet believes he still has something to offer – somewhere – and was not yet ready to hang up his boots.
However, the possibility of Payet returning to Marseille at the end of his laying career is very much alive. “It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon… OM is your home,” said Longoria.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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