Former France and West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a 21-year career. The 38-year-old, who has been without a club for nine months after a stint with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, made the announcement during an emotional live interview at halftime of the Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Lille at the Stade Velodrome.
Payet struggled to contain his tears as he confirmed the decision at the home of the club where he enjoyed some of his most successful years across two separate spells. Born in Reunion, he began his professional career at FC Nantes in 2005 and went on to earn 38 caps for France, scoring eight goals. He was a key member of the squad that reached the final of the 2016 European Championship, where they lost 1-0 to Portugal after extra time.
“I want to take two minutes to thank everybody, to thank all those who shared these 20 years with me. It was something exceptional,” he said. “I come from an island and my dream was to become a professional. I made it and did it for 20 years at the highest level. I managed to play for the national squad, and today is the end of a beautiful journey.”
Despite a career without a major trophy, Payet established himself as a premier creative midfielder at both Marseille and Premier League side West Ham, where he was a fan favourite for his flair and set-piece ability.
