Former French and West Ham footballer Payet confirms he is hanging up his boots

Former France and West Ham attacker, Dimitri Payet, announced his retirement from football on Sunday during a live interview on French television.
nThe 38-year-old, who became a cult figure in the Premier League during two spellbinding seasons at West Ham, was best known for his devastating set-piece prowess and dribbling.
nIn 60 games for the Hammers between July 2015 and January 2017, Payet netted 15 goals and laid on 22 assists.
nHe also represented Saint-Etienne, Nantes, Lille and Marseille in France, as well as Brazilian side Vasco da Gama.
n“Today, a few days before my 39th birthday, I am retiring as a professional footballer,” Payet told Ligue1+ during half-time of the French top-flight match between Marseille and Lille.
n“It’s raining today, and that’s no coincidence,” said the Reunion-born player, who won 38 caps for France, with whom he reached the final of Euro 2016.
nA tearful Payet explained that he did not want to be part of “a project where I can’t give 100 percent”.
nPayet has been without a club since leaving Vasco da Gama in July last year. His two-year stint at the Rio de Janeiro outfit was marred by an off-pitch scandal.
nIn March 2025, a Brazilian woman claiming to have had a romantic relationship with Payet lodged a complaint against him in Rio de Janeiro for “physical and psychological violence”.
nAccording to the Brazilian press, citing a police report, Payet reportedly admitted to an extramarital affair but denied the allegations of abuse.
nThe case will be brought to trial in Brazil.
nAFP
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