French club Marseille announced the release of its former midfielder and captain, Dimitri Payet, from the last year of his contract with him, according to what was confirmed by its president, Pablo Longoria, on Friday.
The Spanish official said in a press conference accompanied by Payet: «We decided not to continue the adventure with our captain. It took several weeks of thinking and discussion.
He continued, addressing his words to the player: “Dmitri, you are a very important element in the history of this club. You have inspired generations of the club’s supporters, through many good times and great victories. It is not farewell, but rather a meeting soon, as the club’s doors are open in front of you.
Payet (36 years), who played his ninth season with Marseille, signed his contract with his team, under the supervision of former president Jacques-Henri Ayrault, and was associated with him until 2024.
Payet was clearly affected, and he could not hold back his tears, stressing his desire to “continue playing after a very difficult season with little time to play.”
He added, “I thank my colleagues, my bosses, all the coaches who supervised me, and all those who were around me, so that I would always be fully prepared.”
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news