West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is thrilled that the Club were able to purchase his number one target and hopes that Dimitri Payet can follow in the footsteps of some big French names and be a major star in the Premier League.
Payet, who signed a five-year deal for an eight-figure sum joined up with his new team-mates for the first time on Sunday night at the Club's training base in Ireland and is relishing the chance to make his first start.
The France international was the one of the star performers for Marseille last season and was being chased by a number of top European clubs.
But West Ham United won the race to clinch his signature and Bilic is confident he will become a fans favourite at the Boleyn Ground next season.
Bilic said: “He is a great player and did really well at a big club like Marseille. He was fantastic last year and I really wanted him. The Club did a great job to get a player who had so many offers. We are expecting big things from him and we will help him to adjust.
“Everyone who is connected to West Ham will enjoy seeing him. The French League is one of the big five and we have seen so many good players who have come over from France and done well in the Premier League.
“He is a great player and was my number one target. I am delighted that he has joined us.”
Bilic was also happy to appoint his close friend and former team-mate Julian Dicks to his backroom staff before the team flew out to Ireland and believes he will have a major impact in the dressing room.
Bilic added: “It was my choice from the beginning. I didn't bring Julian onto my staff because he is a legend. He is my friend and we were room-mates when we played together. We were very close then.
“We met after I signed and it was like we had never been apart. Without a doubt it was something I wanted to do. I am very demanding and ask a lot from my players and staff.
“That is only possible if you have a good atmosphere and people with good qualities. I am very happy that my staff have that.”
Bilic has wasted no time getting out onto the training field with his new players and feels this is a crucial period as he gets to know his new players.
“The lads have been training really well and I can see the energy and motivation from the players. All the facilities have been really good.
“The only thing I don't like is that we basically have two teams but that will change after the second leg in Andorra. We will then have one group.
“It is crucial to have this time together and if you can have a good pre-season you can achieve better results. For me as a new manager you need time for the players to understand your principles and your philosophy. We have enough time.”