Michail Antonio named Dimitri Payet as the best player he has ever played with, when speaking exclusively to the club’s official website, labelling the Frenchman as ‘magic’.
Payet, 32, joined the Hammers in the summer of 2015 from Marseille for around £10.7 million (BBC).
Click HERE to read also: ‘Awful decision’: Some West Ham fans react after hearing £40k-a-wk man could be sold
And the Frenchman immediately established himself as a real fan favourite in east London.
During his time with the club, Payet racked up an incredible 15 goals and 23 assists in 60 appearances for West Ham (Transfermarkt).
The relationship between Payet and the West Ham fans quickly soured, however.
The 32-year-old demanded a move away from the Hammers, and refused to play for Slaven Bilic’s side towards the end of 2016.
Bitter end to a magical spell
He then left West Ham to return to Marseille in January 2017 for around £25 million (BBC).
Payet was one of the best players to play at Upton Park and the London Stadium in recent years. And he thrilled Hammers fans on a regular basis. It’s just a real shame that his time in east London ended so acrimoniously.
Antonio is obviously a huge fan of the enigmatic 32-year-old, however. He responded when asked by WHUFC.com to name the best player he has ever played with:
“Dimitri Payet. Hands down. The guy was magic.”
Despite Payet having left on bad terms, most West Ham fans would surely love to have him back now.
The Frenchman is part of a rare breed of players who can win games on their own.
And the Hammers just haven’t been the same since he left the club in January 2017.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
