West Ham’s Dimitri Payet refuses to play for PL club as $31m transfer to old club Marseille is rejected

WEST HAM and France star Dimitri Payet has enraged his Premier League club by refusing to play, as a lucrative European bid for his services was rejected.

Dimitri Payet.

MANAGER Slaven Bilic says Dimitri Payet does not want to play for West Ham but insists the player will not be sold.

Sky sources claim the Hammers have rejected a £19m ($AU31m) offer for Payet from his former club Marseille this month.

Sky Sports News HQ understands the France international, 29, has been told to stay away from the first team until his attitude is rectified and he is not expected to feature in their next Premier League fixture at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday (UK time).

Payet is currently on a contract worth £120,000 ($AU195,000) per week at West Ham.

Dimitri Payet - on strike and on £120,000 a week - drives away from West Ham training ground in £200,000 Ferrari

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 12, 2017

Bilic said in his pre-match news conference: “We have said we don’t want to sell our best players but Dimitri Payet does not want to play for us

“We are not going to sell him. I spoke to the chairman and this is not a money issue. We gave him a long contract because we want him to stay.

“He is refusing to play for us. I have a team to manage. He’s probably been tapped up. Until he changes his attitude and shows the commitment the club have shown him, he is out of the team.

“We had a conversation a couple of days ago but this began 10 days or so ago when the window opens.

“I feel angry. We gave him everything. I feel let down, angry, disappointed. I understand the players now are being tapped up. The team gave him everything.”

Dimitri Payet taking a trademark free kick for West Ham.

Payet’s superb performances for West Ham last season earned him a place in the France squad for Euro 2016 and he scored three goals at the tournament, as the hosts reached the final before losing to Portugal.

West Ham rewarded him with a new five-year contract last year but he cast doubt over his future at the club last month when he discussed the idea of playing for Arsenal on French radio.

“I read that Wenger considers me the missing piece of the Arsenal’s game, but he’s never told me that,” Payet told RMC on December 19.

“We conceded five or six at home against them. When you see them playing, as a technical player, you could only have fun in that team. They’re candidates for the title every year.

“The situation at the club affects me, but I’m an ambitious person. I’m in a fight with my club and I’m giving everything for them, to get out of this difficult situation, but I’m not closing the door to anything.

“I miss the Champions League... I’ve got some great years ahead of me and I want to enjoy them by playing in important competitions.”

Dimitri Payet celebrating after scoring a Hammers goal.

Payet also discussed the possibility of moving back to Marseille.

“I’m not closing the door on anything,” Payet told French cable channel SFR in late December. “Marseille has a new project that seems to be interesting.”

Marseille was bought in October by American businessman Frank McCourt - the former owner of baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers - who pledged to invest 200 million euros over the next four years.

“Of course, we’re waiting to see the first actions of the new owners,” Payet told SFR. “But everyone knows my attachment to this club and I speak very highly about (the club) because that’s what I think. So, why not?”

Payet was slammed on social media after the transfer saga came to a head today.

Payet's Wikipedia 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/uMA5Sd1BtV

— TheODDSbible (@TheOddsBible) January 12, 2017

I presume if Payet is refusing to play he won't mind @WestHamUtd refusing to pay his wages .... #JustSaying

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 12, 2017

West Ham took Payet and put him on the big stage. For him to act how he has is disgraceful. Similar situation as with us and Sterling.

— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) January 12, 2017

Okay, so my boy comes home from school, finds out about Payet then loads up FIFA and sells him in disgust and outrage #notahappybunny

— Kris Gonzo (@GONZObignose) January 12, 2017

Dimitri Payet Minimalist

RT's appreciated pic.twitter.com/TUfapMMKbw

— Tom (@tbDesign_) January 12, 2017

We've lost Payet
Dimitri Payet
And no one really understands
Last year he was class
But now he can't be arsed
We've lost Dimitri Payet

— Brad (@WHUFCBrad) January 12, 2017

West Ham also copped some flak.

Why people shocked Payet wants away? They signed a load of rubbish. Bilic says they gave Payet everything...except a decent team to play in.

— talkSPORTDrive (@talkSPORTDrive) January 12, 2017

6 months ago:
- linked with Lacazette
- linked with Bacca
- linked with Tevez

Now:
- £4m bid for Snodgrass
- Payet transfer request

— Jamie (@VerrattiMC) January 12, 2017

Originally published as West Ham’s Dimitri Payet refuses to play for PL club as $31m transfer to old club Marseille is rejected