Dimitri Payet breaks down in tears as he announces that will leave Marseille after 36-year-old made it clear that he wanted to stay at the club
- Dimitri Payet has revealed that his time at Marseille has come to an end
- The playmaker held a press conference with the club president on Friday
- Payet has made over 300 appearances for Marseille during his career
Dimitri Payet could not hide his emotion as he broke down in tears while announcing that he would be leaving the club on Friday.
The 36-year-old departs as a free agent despite stating making it clear that he hoped to stay with the team that he has spent the majority of his career with.
Payet was in the midst of his second spell with the French side, having signed from West Ham for £25m in 2017.
He had previously spent two seasons there between 2013 and 2015.
The attacking midfielder made 326 appearances for Marseille in all, contributing 78 goals and 95 assists.
Dimitri Payet could not hide his emotion as he broke down in tears announcing his departure
Payet fell out of favour under Igor Tudor last season and saw his game time limited but was given hope when the Croat was replaced by Marcelino.
Speaking a few weeks ago, he said: ‘I want to leave through the front door and, even at 36, I still have goals that keep me awake. I tell myself that I can’t stop until I win something with the club.’
However, he revealed that club president Pablo Longoria informed him that he is surplus to requirements after an ‘honest, frank and sincere’ conversation.
Payet was overcome with emotion as he confirmed that he would be leaving the club
The pair held an emotional press conference on Friday in which Longoria described the decision as ‘not an easy moment.’
Payet also revealed that he rejected an offer to remain on the coaching staff as he wants to continue playing.
Longoria made it clear that that offer remains open, saying: ‘It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon… OM is your home,’ said Longoria.
