France's Dimitri Payet in his own words
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
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Dimitri Payet opened up to EURO2016.com about his tearful celebration, his free-kick prowess and the goal against Switzerland that he says he should have scored.
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Dimitri Payet's sensational UEFA EURO 2016 displays have put him on the verge of superstar status. At the peak of his powers, everything is going right for the 29-year-old. EURO2016.com spoke to the attacker, who carries the hopes of the host nation into the knockout stage.
After his assist and emotional wonder goal in the opener against Romania, the No8 followed up with another man-of-the-match performance and another goal against Albania in Marseille. The West Ham playmaker then came close to a goal-of-the-tournament contender in a cameo appearance against Switzerland when he crashed a volley off the bar.
On scoring goals ...
Since the start of the tournament I have felt really good. I am feeling confident and that's allowed me to play without pressure and to put in good performances. In all honesty, the goal that will really stick in my mind is the one I scored against Romania. It was a really difficult game and the goal came in the final minute, so it was really a great relief. It will remain one of my most unforgettable memories.
On his tears after the Romania strike ...
I've come a long way. A few months ago, I was far from certain to play in the tournament. I've worked very hard and had a really good season with my club, despite having had to sit out two months through injury. I think it was because of all the hard work that the emotions came through when I scored.
On being a free-kick maestro ...
It's not something you are born with. There's definitely a lot of work that goes into it. When you score free-kicks, it is because you've worked hard on them. I try to be strong in that department as I have been given the responsibility, and I am well aware how important they can be in a tight game.
On Didier Deschamps ...
When things are going well on the pitch, it is because I know I have the coach behind me. The fact he has won everything going is the advantage that he brings us. He knows exactly what it takes to win, as he has been there before and we know how precious his advice is, and how much more so that will be as the tournament goes on.
On where he can improve ...
I can still get better. If I was going to be picky, then I would say to myself that my shot that hit the bar against the Swiss shouldn't have hit the woodwork – it should have gone in."
On being regarded as France's best player ...
No, it's not me. People will still talk about Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. We saw them in the game against Switzerland, and they are the ones to be counted on. We need those two players. They can guide us through and deep into the competition.
Yohan Cabaye on Payet ...
Dimitri has been our best player in these opening games. He scored in the first and the second games and he's our main player, I think. He's playing unbelievably well, his football is amazing to watch and to play with him is something special.
