DIMITRI PAYET has announced his retirement – just months after his ex-girlfriend accused him of “psychological torture”.
The Frenchman, 38, became a Premier League icon during a sensational spell with West Ham.
But Payet has decided to hang up his boots after being without a club since Brazilian side Vasco da Gama tore up his contract at the end of last season.
Speaking live on French TV at half-time of the showdown between former sides Marseille and Lille, the skilful winger said: “On the eve of my 39th birthday, I officially announce my retirement as a professional footballer.
“My dream was to become a professional and I managed to do so for 20 years at the highest level.
“I also played for the national team. This is the end of a great adventure.
“It’s symbolic for me to announce this here [at Marseille]. I feel at home. A chapter of my life closes today and a new one begins.
“The desire to play is still there, but at 39, the body is different. The demands of football are very complicated.
“I didn’t want to be part of a project where I couldn’t be 100 per cent myself.
“I prefer to hand in my badge and my weapon. Emotionally, it was impossible for me to play against Marseille.”
Payet joined West Ham in 2015 and went on to be named in the PFA Team of the Year during his first season in the Premier League.
He also won the East Londoners’ Hammer of the Year award in the same campaign.
But, having notched 15 goals and 22 assists across 60 appearances, Payet left in acrimonious circumstances.
The livewire sensationally went on STRIKE in order to force a move back to Marseille.
And Payet is set to go on trial in Brazil over claims made by his former mistress Larissa Natalya Ferrari.
She made shock allegations that he is a “sick monster” after beating her up and forcing her to film degrading videos during an affair lasting seven months.
It was also claimed that the Euro 2016 finalist made Ferrari drink her own urine and water from the toilet as well as lick the floor.
Payet has been charged with psychological violence for his actions during his time at Vasco da Gama.
He has also been accused of using his power and status to trap Ferrari in an abusive relationship, coercing her into degrading acts and using punishments to control her every move.
Police reports state Payet admitted to having an affair with the Brazilian lawyer, but he strongly denies allegations of violence against her.
Ferrari’s case was originally dismissed by prosecutors before the West Ham icon was indicted on appeal.
In a statement, her legal team said: “We received the recent decision with confidence in the institutions responsible for investigating the facts and holding the person under investigation accountable, recognising it as an important step forward in the search for the truth and reparation for the damages suffered by the victim.
“The Judiciary’s position reaffirms the authorities’ commitment to the seriousness of the events and their firm determination to curb practices that violate women’s dignity, regardless of the social position or public visibility of the person under investigation.
“We reiterate our commitment to remain firm in the uncompromising defence of our client’s rights, certain that justice will prevail.”
