Dimitri Payet explained why he decided to leave the London club "West Ham" in winter, revealing that both football and personal reasons led to his decision.
The Frenchman became one of the most prominent stars in the 2015-2016 season of the Premier League, and in the summer, he was one of the best French national team players in the European Championship.
However, at the start of the second year, neither he nor his team were able to maintain such excellent form, and in January he finally returned to "Marseille".
"I had no desire to fight at the bottom of the Premier League," Payet told L'Equipe. "The defensive system we used did not give me any pleasure. With 5-4-1 in front of the penalty area, I could have a lot of freedom, so it is difficult for me to explain. You could say I was angry, yes. In every match, I worked hard feeling no pleasure."
"I contacted OM and Rudi Garcia, whose playing philosophy I know well. So, the decision was made quickly - if I had waited for six months, I would have lost six months."
Payet was particularly impressed by a match against "Hull City", which helped him make a final decision.
"At home with West Ham, we won 1-0 against Hull (on December 17 - ed.), and our opponents hit the woodwork four times. In the locker room, everyone was happy, but the most useful player was the woodwork," added the defender. "I told myself that I couldn't improve here. On the contrary, I risked taking a step back. I needed another challenge."
The 29-year-old footballer's choice was partially influenced by his life partner, who wanted to return to Marseille.
"It had some influence on my decision," Payet explained. "When everything is good at home, everything goes well both at home and beyond. When things are difficult at home, it can hinder you from doing your job."
The Frenchman also mentioned that he had warned his teammates about a possible departure after the European Championship. However, they did not take these words seriously, and after a conversation with coach Slaven Bilic, the club did not allow him to leave. This time, Payet respected West Ham's decision, but in winter, he took the widely publicized strike.
