Dmitri Payet has become a French national hero in the space of a few weeks, and thoroughly deserves it for his work and attitude this year.
Manager Didier Deschamps had seem determined to not recall Payet to the national set-up, despite his brilliant West Ham form, and despite many in the country calling for it. The former Marseille manager even made a point of saying he wouldn’t be forced by pressure into picking Payet.
Deschamps seemed almost stubborn about the situation, and it would have been easy for Payet to say something he could regret. But he didn’t, and he finally got his chance, making the most of it and getting to where he is now.
Conquering England and France in the same year, L’Equipe have asked Payet if he wants to play England in the Euro 2016 quarter finals. Payet would be up against players he’s shone against for West Ham, and would surely be one of the star attractions.
However, he’s really not bothered about which country France face, explaining: “Whatever. inevitably there will be a quality opponent. I prefer to look at what we do.”
France will be favourites against whichever of the two teams they face, and the pressure for France to win the tournament is only growing.
