SHARE

Last summer, when Dimitri Payet left Marseille to move to Brazil, the transfer was seen as rather unusual.

The attacking midfielder had an abrupt departure from the French side, and when seeing the options on the table, he chose to sign for Vasco da Gama on a two-year deal.

Payet may not have joined the strongest club in South America, but is playing in a huge atmosphere which reminds him of West Ham United. That was explained by the player himself in an interview with L’Equipe.

“I love this Championship. It’s exciting, with incredible fans. Experiencing this madness on this football land is a blast! I loved the Maracana, for its history and what it exudes. I like Sao Januario too, it’s a real cauldron. It reminds me of West Ham, where no one came to win against us. If our fans are like that while we fight to stay up, I don’t dare imagine if we play a Brazilian cup final. It must be crazy.”

Then, in another nod towards how much he appreciated the atmosphere at West Ham, he said: “I have always chosen my clubs based on their stadiums. They have to be full and there has to be an atmosphere. I need this passion. If I hadn’t had that, I would have died a slow death. I like it when supporters are demanding.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Vasco played in the cup against Água Santa in the in a very chaotic match. It was a game with 17 yellow cards and three reds. With a 3-3 draw, which included a late equaliser, the home side won on penalties.

As Payet walked to take the first penalty, it was a strange scene, a West Ham icon and someone who had shone in European football, giving his all against a club who are playing in the Brazilian league for the first time this year. They had been non-league and this season are in the fourth division.

The atmosphere at São Januario said it all, though, and Payet has every right to be happy exactly where he is.

Just like he was at West Ham… well, until he wasn’t!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR