Former France and West Ham attacker, Dimitri Payet, don announce him retirement from football on Sunday during live interview for French television. The 38-year-old player wey become cult figure for Premier League during two spellbinding seasons for West Ham, na im dey known well for him devastating set-piece prowess and dribbling skills.
For 60 games wey im play for West Ham between July 2015 and January 2017, Payet score 15 goals and assist 22 more. The talented midfielder also play for Saint-Etienne, Nantes, Lille and Marseille for France, as well as Brazilian side Vasco da Gama before im retirement.
“Today, few days before my 39th birthday, I dey retire as professional footballer,” Payet tell Ligue1+ during half-time of French top-flight match between Marseille and Lille. “Rain dey fall today, and na no coincidence,” the Reunion-born player add with emotion.
Payet wey win 38 caps for France and reach final of Euro 2016 with the national team, explain with tears for eye say im no want dey part of “project where I no fit give 100 percent.” The footballer don dey without club since im leave Vasco da Gama for July last year.
Im two-year stint for Rio de Janeiro outfit get some off-pitch wahala. For March 2025, Brazilian woman wey claim say im get romantic relationship with Payet lodge complaint against am for Rio de Janeiro for “physical and psychological violence.” According to Brazilian press wey cite police report, Payet reportedly admit to extramarital affair but deny allegations of abuse. The case go dey brought to trial for Brazil.
Football fans across Europe and Brazil dey react to Payet retirement news. Many remember am for him time for West Ham where im become fan favorite with spectacular goals and assists. French football community dey celebrate im career wey span over two decades.
Payet retirement mark end of era for attacking midfielders wey dey known for creativity and technical ability. Im legacy go remain for hearts of fans wey watch am play for various clubs throughout im career.
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