After two excellent performances for France, Dimitri Payet looks ahead to returning to the Hammers
Dimitri Payet marked his return to the French squad in spectacular fashion over the international break with an incredible 35-yard free-kick goal against Russia.
He had only been on the pitch two minutes at the Stade de France, and after curling in his side’s third, he also set-up the fourth in a 4-2 win, playing in Kingsley Coman who did the rest.
The terrific substitute appearance came days after he put in an impressive display over 90 minutes in a 3-2 away win over the Netherlands.
The midfielder spoke to the media after Tuesday night’s game.
Dimitri, do you think that you have finished convincing Didier Deschamps that you deserve a place in the squad?
“I don’t know. It’s up to the manager to decide. I tried, like I do in all matches, to bring something to the game. My impact was positive and so I am happy.”
With these two victories, do you feel that you have succeeded?
“I don’t know if I would say that. In any case, my aim was to try to play as well with the national side as I have been with West Ham. I managed to attack these games with confidence and I played well in both games, both in important situations. It’s a great return, to score and to set one up. Making a difference is always what counts in football. It’s a good omen for what’s to come.”
Tell us a bit about your free-kick, just after coming off the bench.
“The free-kick was my first touch, and I have had a little taste of success. I am savouring it.”
You gave yourself a nice birthday present too, didn’t you?!
“Having a game on your birthday is something that doesn’t happen very often. My family were at the game tonight and that makes me even happier. We will celebrate it together.”
How will you be feeing while waiting for the UEFA Euro 2018 squad announcement?
“I will be pretty chilled, in the same way I have been since the start of this season. I just try to do my best for my club. Today, that work paid off. These two games have gone, and we will relish that and then my work with my club starts again. So, we won’t have too long to reflect on these games.”
You’re walking on water this year! Do you agree?
“Of course, it has been a great season so far. In England, I have been put in the best conditions for me to be able to flourish on the pitch. I want to pay tribute to my teammates, this squad and my supporters who show me a lot of love.”
He had only been on the pitch two minutes at the Stade de France, and after curling in his side’s third, he also set-up the fourth in a 4-2 win, playing in Kingsley Coman who did the rest.
The terrific substitute appearance came days after he put in an impressive display over 90 minutes in a 3-2 away win over the Netherlands.
The midfielder spoke to the media after Tuesday night’s game.
Dimitri, do you think that you have finished convincing Didier Deschamps that you deserve a place in the squad?
“I don’t know. It’s up to the manager to decide. I tried, like I do in all matches, to bring something to the game. My impact was positive and so I am happy.”
With these two victories, do you feel that you have succeeded?
“I don’t know if I would say that. In any case, my aim was to try to play as well with the national side as I have been with West Ham. I managed to attack these games with confidence and I played well in both games, both in important situations. It’s a great return, to score and to set one up. Making a difference is always what counts in football. It’s a good omen for what’s to come.”
Tell us a bit about your free-kick, just after coming off the bench.
“The free-kick was my first touch, and I have had a little taste of success. I am savouring it.”
You gave yourself a nice birthday present too, didn’t you?!
“Having a game on your birthday is something that doesn’t happen very often. My family were at the game tonight and that makes me even happier. We will celebrate it together.”
How will you be feeing while waiting for the UEFA Euro 2018 squad announcement?
“I will be pretty chilled, in the same way I have been since the start of this season. I just try to do my best for my club. Today, that work paid off. These two games have gone, and we will relish that and then my work with my club starts again. So, we won’t have too long to reflect on these games.”
You’re walking on water this year! Do you agree?
“Of course, it has been a great season so far. In England, I have been put in the best conditions for me to be able to flourish on the pitch. I want to pay tribute to my teammates, this squad and my supporters who show me a lot of love.”