Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet was full of gratitude after becoming the 38th man to win the prestigious award
Dimitri Payet was full of thanks to everyone associated with West Ham United after being voted the Club’s 38th Hammer of the Year.
The outstanding France international midfielder bagged an incredible five awards at the 2015/16 Player Awards brought to you by Betway in aid of the Academy.
The highlight of Payet’s record-breaking night was his triumph in the prestigious Hammer of the Year award, and he was quick to pay tribute to everyone who has supported him since he arrived in east London from Marseille last summer.
“Of course it’s a huge honour and a defining moment for me at the Club,” Payet told West Ham TV. “It’s an award that recognises the hard work I have put in and I’m very happy about it.
“I didn’t think I would adapt this quickly, to be honest. I thought it would be harder, but with the fabulous teammates that I have, and the manager and coaching staff, the settling in period was easier than expected.
“Slaven Bilic is very important for me and my confidence. He has done everything possible to help me to blossom as a player and when I suffered an injury and had a difficult time, he was the first person to come to my house and check up on me.
“My form has been down to all the squad, the coaches and the medical staff, but I would like to personally thank the manager for all the help and support he has given me.”
Payet has enjoyed a stellar debut season in English football, scoring 12 goals and registering eleven assists to spearhead West Ham’s challenge for a top-four Barclays Premier League finish.
With three games to go, the Hammers sit five points off the UEFA Champions League places, while the No27 also has the prospect of a home European Championship finals to look forward to this summer.
After that, Payet and West Ham move into the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“We are all very excited to play there. We have the first game against Juventus to look forward to. We will then be ready for the first official game.
“Let’s see the final France squad first! If I do make it, of course I’ll do my very best in what will be a very important tournament which will be held in France.”
The outstanding France international midfielder bagged an incredible five awards at the 2015/16 Player Awards brought to you by Betway in aid of the Academy.
The highlight of Payet’s record-breaking night was his triumph in the prestigious Hammer of the Year award, and he was quick to pay tribute to everyone who has supported him since he arrived in east London from Marseille last summer.
“Of course it’s a huge honour and a defining moment for me at the Club,” Payet told West Ham TV. “It’s an award that recognises the hard work I have put in and I’m very happy about it.
“I didn’t think I would adapt this quickly, to be honest. I thought it would be harder, but with the fabulous teammates that I have, and the manager and coaching staff, the settling in period was easier than expected.
“Slaven Bilic is very important for me and my confidence. He has done everything possible to help me to blossom as a player and when I suffered an injury and had a difficult time, he was the first person to come to my house and check up on me.
“My form has been down to all the squad, the coaches and the medical staff, but I would like to personally thank the manager for all the help and support he has given me.”
Payet has enjoyed a stellar debut season in English football, scoring 12 goals and registering eleven assists to spearhead West Ham’s challenge for a top-four Barclays Premier League finish.
With three games to go, the Hammers sit five points off the UEFA Champions League places, while the No27 also has the prospect of a home European Championship finals to look forward to this summer.
After that, Payet and West Ham move into the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“We are all very excited to play there. We have the first game against Juventus to look forward to. We will then be ready for the first official game.
“Let’s see the final France squad first! If I do make it, of course I’ll do my very best in what will be a very important tournament which will be held in France.”