Euro 2016

Dimitri Payet reveals clear-the-air talks with France boss Didier Deschamps

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 28 March 2016

West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet is hoping to earn a place in the France squad for Euro 2016 having held clear-the-air talks with manager Didier Deschamps.

West Ham United playmaker Dimitri Payet has said that he hopes clear-the-air talks with France manager Didier Deschamps have paved the way for a Euro 2016 spot this summer.

Payet has been in impressive form for his club side this season, and ended a nine-month spell in the international wilderness during France's 3-2 victory over Holland on Friday.

His performance drew praise from Deschamps, and the 29-year-old revealed that he held productive discussions with the national team boss in the build-up to the match in Amsterdam.

"We discussed yes, of course. He told me what he expected of me and I said what I had to say. And the effect was that my game clicked against Holland. There is no discomfort between us," Payet told reporters.

"I do not know [if I have earned a Euro 2016 spot], I won't until the choice of the coach. I was happy to be back after a long period of absence, had a good week and didn't go too far wrong in the game. I started the meeting without any pressure and it has been rather successful. I combined well with Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, and I hope that this can continue."

When asked whether his time away from the international scene had helped him, Payet added: "I don't know, the period was still long. It did allow me to concentrate solely on my club, and especially to be performing well for them.

"But I think I am in the best period of my career. I live a fairy tale with my club and if that could transfer into selection (for France) that would be great. I will work to ensure that my best years are still in front of me."

France take on Russia in Paris on Tuesday night in their last fixture before Deschamps picks his squad for Euro 2016.