Payet: “I would like to clean Benzema’s boots again if necessary”

In an interview with ‘French Magazine L’Équipe’, Marseille forward Dimitri Payet discussed his chances of returning to the France national team set up after a productive season with Olympian de Marseille. 

Payet was asked: Didier Deschamps said that when you’ve had a big role in the past for France, it could be hard to come back to a lesser role. Do you agree with what that?

“Which French forward can claim they should start when you have Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann up front? They would have to be crazy. I would come back to clean Karim’s boots if necessary! (Laughs.) It would be stupid to say: ‘I’m coming back and I’m playing!’ Being in the 23 man squad would be amazing, the attacking pool of talent is incredible.”

At 34 years of age, Dimitri Payet has returned in form this season scoring nine goals and providing 9 assists in the 23 games for Olympian de Marseille. 

Some numbers that have made the name of the very talented midfielder reappear in the press and many seeking his recall to the French national team.

He has not played for the French National team since October 2018, his last game was a friendly against Iceland which ended in 2-2 draw.

Asked in an interview with ‘L’Équipe’ about the possibility of being called again by the French coach, Didier Deschamps, the former West Ham United player said:  “from this moment I think I can still have an international level of play, it is on my mind.” 

“We have an extraordinary squad with incredible players, the last word is the coach. I don’t put pressure on that anymore.”