The story that lasted a total of eight seasons in two stints has been put to an end today. With an outpouring of emotions, Dimitri Payet and Olympique Marseille parted ways, ending the story that began a decade ago.Although in previous seasons, and even in the months behind us, he was one of the drivers of the team from the Velodrome, the French offensive player began to lose the race with age, which was the reason for the management to present a clear position to him before this summer – there will always be a place for Payet in the Olimpique team, but he is no longer a player who can contribute to the team.Although the 36-year-old offensive player was told that he should not be counted on in terms of playing, he was offered to stay at the club in a different role, if he hangs up his boots ahead of the current season. However, Payet’s hunger for football has obviously not subsided, and eager for new challenges, he responded negatively to the offer and thus, after eight seasons in total, and six in a row, he left Marseille.##NAJAVA_MECA_7383168##Olympique thanked the previous captain in an official announcement and expressed his gratitude for everything done in the blue and white jersey.”For Olympique de Marseille, it is a huge pride that it could count on such a talented player and that it had him as its captain. We want to express our gratitude for all the years spent during which he provided the best, to an exceptional captain and player who marked our recent history, and who is and will remain a legend of the club,” the club statement stated.Payet’s influence on the club during the previous decade was highlighted by Pablo Longoria, president of Olympique de Marseille, in an emotional farewell.”I would like to thank Dimitri for everything he has brought to Olympique de Marseille during all these years. In addition to his exceptional talent, I also want to highlight his love for the club, the fans and the city. He is a symbol of the strong bond between the club and the city. I wish him all the best in the next phase of his life. Dimitri will always be at home here,” said the club’s first man.En pleurs, Dimitri Payet annonce son départ de l’OM https://t.co/caNbhGkFdi pic.twitter.com/laPDTFjSBN— L’ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) July 21, 2023 Clearly took by emotion, breaking off several times in tears, Payet praised everyone at the club and the fans.”We talked before the pre-season. The president was honest and told me what the situation was. This is not what was expected from my side. The best solution is to accept the club’s decision. Olympique Marseille offered me to stop playing, to join the club as an executive, but I still have something to give to football, I can still give satisfaction to the audience,” said Payet.The experienced offensive player arrived in the midfield in the summer of 2013, and after two seasons he moved to West Ham. He spent two seasons with the Hammers, and then returned to the club where he has grown to become a symbol of a period.During eight seasons, Payet recorded 326 games, scored 78 goals and had 95 assists.Dimitri Payet has scored some bangers at Marseille but none better than this one. 💙🤍🚀pic.twitter.com/TO80NbT6Fj— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 21, 2023
