Bilic thanks Payet for West Ham impact

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has praised Dimitri Payet for his influence at the Hammers despite the French midfielder forcing a move to Marseille.

Payet refused to play for West Ham as he tried to negotiate a move away from the London Stadium, eventually succeeding on Sunday with the Ligue 1 outfit paying £25 million for his services.

Bilic has wasted no time in securing Robert Snodgrass from Premier League rivals Hull City to cover for the absence of Payet.

But he did take the time to praise the impact the Frenchman had on Bilic’s debut managerial season in the Premier League.

“I want to thank Payet for everything he did,” Bilic said. “He was brilliant last year and we were brilliant for him also.

“But that story has now finished. I want to wish him luck and all the best in Marseille.

(Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/IP3/Getty Images)

“I am not going to go deep into what happened. He went and that was his wish. I won’t forget how good he was for us and what he achieved with us.

“It was a great story, not only for West Ham but for the Premier League and for France also. I won’t forget it just because he moved. I really wish him well.”