With each sumptuous goal and big-match moment of grace and courage, West Ham fans must have sank further behind the couch.
Signed for Marseille, last summer, for £10.7, Payet's first year in England was so good that he took home five awards in West Ham's end-of-season awards. So confident was he of bagging that haul that he half-joked about showing up with a suitcase.
In the group stages of Euro 2016, Payet was France's salvation. Twice he stepped up with vital goals for his country. He also won his way into Irish hearts by consoling distraught Hammers teammate after France had beaten the goalkeeper's side 2-1.
With each performance, as France advanced to the final, came more and more links about a move away from The Hammers. Real Madrid and PSG were both reported as interested parties.
Payet is still on his holidays, ahead of the 2016/17 season, but he has moved fast to assure West Ham fans that he is not going anywhere. He told
The Sun:
"I’ve heard about all the interest and I’m flattered but I love West Ham. We had a fantastic season and I can’t wait to play in the Olympic Stadium.
"I’m 100% staying at West Ham, I love the club. I can tell the Hammers fans that."
Let's hope Payet's words are more Jamie Carragher [one-club player] than
Fabien Delph [ask disgruntled Aston Villa fans].
