Dimitri Payet knows 'how to be a d***head' following controversial spell at West Ham: 'When I want to p**s everyone off, I do it'

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Dimitri Payet has admitted he is a difficult player to manage and 'knows how to be a d****head' while reflecting on his unceremonious exit from West Ham.

The Frenchman shone during his debut season in east London, scoring 12 goals and setting up 15 to drive the Hammers to a seventh-place finish — equalling their highest league position since the 1998-99 season.

But Payet's second season, following West Ham's move from Upton Park to the London Stadium, was blighted by his desire to seek a move away.

Dimitri Payet has admitted he is a difficult player to manage and 'knows how to be a d****head'

Payet shone during his debut season at West Ham, making his name as a free-kick specialist

His 12 goals and 15 assists were the catalyst behind West Ham finishing seventh in the league

The France international, a former fan favourite in east London, finally sealed a move back to Ligue 1 just 18 months after touching down in England, joining Marseille for £25million in January.

And the 30-year-old has conceded he is a big personality to manage, telling So Foot: 'I know how to be a d***head. It's one of my specialities. It's a little game. When I want to p**s everyone off, I do it.

'My managers understood that when I sulk, they talk to me. It's a way for me to be heard. Those who know me play along, and, in the end, it goes well.

'I left [West Ham] for many reasons, but the main one was about football.

But following his impressive season, Payet grew bored in east London and sought a move away

Payet was eventually unveiled as a Marseille player following his £25million move in January

'West Ham's objectives weren't the same as the last season, and I felt in danger for my football and my chances with the national team. I had a choice to make.' 

The France international admitted Slaven Bilic had a difficult time keeping Payet's petulance under control during his stay at West Ham.

And although he said Bilic managed him 'like a father', the Croat was not enough to keep Payet in the Premier League.

'[Bilic and I] spoke every day,' Payet added. 'He quickly understood how I worked. You saw that straight away in how quickly I adapted.'

But, ultimately, Payet left for pastures new and has made a flying return to Ligue 1 — scoring 20 goals in 33 games in all competitions for the south coast club.

The France international said Bilic managed him 'like a father' but it was not enough to stay