West Ham’s joint chairman, David Gold has spoken out for the first time since Slaven Bilic revealed that Dimitri Payet wanted to leave the club.
Speaking on the club’s official website, Gold admitted he was saddened by the way the situation has happened.
Gold said:
I am saddened by the recent revelations that Dimitri Payet wants to leave West Ham United.
We have met all of his requirements since he joined and we committed long-term to him when we gave him a new five-year contract back in February 2016, so this is hugely disappointing.
Bilic confirmed to the media on Thursday that the Frenchman has refused to play for the Hammers as he seeks a move away from the London Stadium.
Gold went on to say West Ham have done all they could for the French international.
We have made it clear that he is not for sale and we want to see some loyalty from him, after Slaven, the players and all the fans have given him so much support.
We gave Dimitri the opportunity to play in the best league in the world when he wasn’t in the France team and the a platform that has helped him become one of the best players in Europe.
Payet joined the club last season and surprised the Premier League with his glittering performances. He impressed at Euro 2016, playing a starring role in the French team.
But with West Ham struggling to recapture that form this season, Payet has taken the opportunity to voice his demands, with a move back to Marseille being muted.
The Hammers are adamant they do not want to sell the player but may be forced to this month.
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