Reunion Island’s football hero gave an interview during Antenne Réunion’s TV news broadcast. He told his fans he won’t leave the Hammers.
Dimitri Payet is back in Reunion Island for a few days of vacation where he received a warm welcome. 500 fans waited for him at the international airport of Roland Garros in Saint-Denis. The France forward took long minutes to thank every one of them. He signed photos and jerseys before talking to the press.
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Back in Reunion Island
During two days, he was greeted all around Reunion Island by hundreds of fan, including his hometown. Two thousand people were present yesterday when Dimitri Payet was in Petite-Ile, where his mother was born.
"There are a lot of events to go to in very little time. But seeing how they are supporting me and being back with the Reunionese people is great. As we always say : sport brings people together."
Rise to stardom
Dimitri Payet assured he has stayed humble even though he is now one of the most talked about football star in the world after a great season at West Ham United and a wonderfeul Euro 2016.
"Things around me have changed. My every word, my every move are being analysed. I have to adapt to it. But I have not changed."
As for the disappointment following France’s defeat at the Euro 2016, Dimitri Payet says : "The bitter taste it left will never go away. We’ll have to live with it unless we win a final in an other tournament. It’s the kind of defeat you don’t forget in a carreer."
The tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo
During the final, Dimitri Payet was critisized all over the world for what was described as a rough challenge for the ball on Cristiano Ronaldo who then left the game injured.
"I didn’t want to hurt him. I don’t like violence on a football field. It’s not how I see the game. Unfortunately, it happened, so I apologized."
How he became a great footballer
After a missed opportunity at The Havre as a youngster, Dimitri Payet had to come back home and played for AS Excelsior, a team based not far away from his hometown.
"Coming back is what started my career. When I arrived at AS Excelsior, I was close to great Reunionese players. They helped me become a man. Leaving Reunion for Nantes, I was stronger mentally and physically."
West Ham United FC
"During the week, the fans are very respectful of the work we do. But during the weekends, they are present and it’s very important for us."
"As of now, I’m staying at West Ham United. I just renewed my contract for a few years. I will be there for the beginning of the season on August 5th."
"My agent didn’t say I had doubts about it, he was just correcting an article that was published and that I hadn’t heard about.
"I wasn’t contacted by any other club."
Les Bleus ?
"During the Euro 2016, we lived many beautiful things, being supported by the fans. We hope we can achieve beautiful things in Russia."
