Jump directly to the content
NOBLE CAUSE

Dimitri Payet has had West Ham captain Mark Noble on the phone making sure he returns to the Hammers after brilliant Euro 2016

composite noble payet

DIMITRI PAYET has been so good at Euro 2016 West Ham captain Mark Noble has been on his case making sure he returns the Hammers.

The France playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards for stand-out performances against Romania and Albania.

 France's Dimitri Payet celebrates with team-mates after scoring their second goal against Romania en route to his first of two man-of-the-match awards
10
France's Dimitri Payet celebrates with team-mates after scoring their second goal against Romania en route to his first of two man-of-the-match awardsCredit: Reuters
 Dimitri Payet's thunderbolt helped France avoid embarrassment with a late winner on their big opening night against minnows Romania
10
Dimitri Payet's thunderbolt helped France avoid embarrassment with a late winner on their big opening night against minnows RomaniaCredit: EPA
 Dimitri Payet knocks the stuffing out of Romania with wonder goal at Euro 2016
10
Dimitri Payet knocks the stuffing out of Romania with wonder goal at Euro 2016Credit: AP:Associated Press

And he has scored stunning goals in both of those victories on home soil, making him Uefa’s top-rated player at the tournament after.

The 29-year-old has had Hammers boss Slaven Bilic table dancing and now he’s got skipper Noble on the blower making sure he doesn't jump ship for one of the Champions League clubs - like Real Madrid -  after his signature.

Noble said: “Dimi has been the best player of the tournament so far.

“If he carries on then France will have a great chance of going a long way.

“I’ve been in contact with him making sure he comes back with us next year!”

 West Ham captain Mark Noble has been at Upton Park his entire career and wass still performing at his peak in the 2015-16 season alongside Dimitri Payet
10
West Ham captain Mark Noble has been at Upton Park his entire career and wass still performing at his peak in the 2015-16 season alongside Dimitri Payet
 Payet scored France's second against Albania and was named Man of the Match
10
Payet scored France's second against Albania and was named Man of the MatchCredit: Reuters
 West Ham superstar Payet celebrates his second late goal of the tournament
10
West Ham superstar Payet celebrates his second late goal of the tournamentCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Payet has been the star of the tournament so far after two superb displays
10
Payet has been the star of the tournament so far after two superb displaysCredit: AP:Associated Press

The soon-to-be Olympic Stadium star should have been with Roy Hodgon’s England team after a brilliant final season at Upton Park.

Instead he has had to watch as team-mates Darren Randolph, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna cruise into the last 16 for Republic of Ireland, Wales and Italy, respectively.

But the class act is not bitter, he’s excited by British teams flying in the competition and making it a tournament to be proud of.

 Hammers manager Bilic climbed on the table in the ITV studio after Payet's goal
10
Hammers manager Bilic climbed on the table in the ITV studio after Payet's goalCredit: ITV
 Payet's last minute goal had Slaven Bilic jumping on the ITV table with joy
10
Payet's last minute goal had Slaven Bilic jumping on the ITV table with joyCredit: pixel GRG

He said: “I’ve watched as many games of the Euros as I can and it’s been interesting to watch Dimi, Daz, Ginge and Angelo.

“The home nations getting through is great too and I’m looking forward to the next round.

“The fact that all four of our players have got through is great for them and great for the football club. I wish them all the best in the next round.”

10
Topics