Dimitri Payet (36) came off to a standing ovation at the Vélodrome as Olympique de Marseille beat SCO Angers to keep their Champions League pursuit on track in what could be the former France international’s final professional match.
Starts have been few and far between for Payet this season; his last came at the beginning of February. However, his start on Sunday is almost certainly his last this season, and possibly the final one of his professional career. The former West Ham midfielder is set to appear before the Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday after images from Amazon Prime Video Sport caught Payet slapping RC Lens assistant coach Yannick Cahuzac during last weekend’s defeat against Le Sang et Or. As L’Équipe have reported, Payet risks a five-game suspension. There are only three games remaining this season.
Despite being under contract at Marseille until 2024, L’Équipe are reporting that there is a possibility of the player retiring this summer with the view to beginning his conversion into the management system at Les Phocéens training centre. Payet’s second-half goal was a crucial one, as it allowed Marseille to take the upper hand against already-relegated Angers. That may just be the final one of Payet’s 142 goals in professional football. Only time will tell.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
