Payet accepts France snub, despite claiming he’s in ‘best period’

Dimitri Payet: Still fighting for a France recall

Dimitri Payet: Still fighting for a France recall

Dimitri Payet claims he’s playing some of the best football of his career – but has refused to criticise Didier Deschamps for his lack of a call-up to the France national side.

Payet, who struck the winning goal in West Ham’s 3-2 win at Everton on Saturday, has been one of the Premier League’s best players this season and his performances have inspired the Hammers to fifth place in the table with just nine games remaining.

Despite his excellent form, which has seen him score eight goals and make seven assists, Payet has been overlooked by his national side all season and has not represented France since June of last year.

With Euro 2016 in his homeland just three months away, that looks unlikely to change. But despite the snub, the 15-times capped schemer insists he will continue to fight for his place.

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“[It’s] not as an injustice,” Payet told Canal Plus. “The coach has to make choices. This is the boss, he selects the players he needs. I’m happy in my shoes, I try to be efficient.

“I will not say I’m happy to be replaced, I like to play and fight for my place.

“In sporting terms, I am in one of the best periods of my career. If I’m at the Euro that is fine, if I am not there, I know I would have given anything and there will be no regrets.”

France are scheduled to play two friendlies later this month, away to Netherlands on March 25 and at home to Russia four days later.