Monday 16 January 2017 06:20, UK
West Ham captain Mark Noble says he is “angry and disappointed” with Dimitri Payet and revealed he has not spoken to the unsettled star in weeks.
The French playmaker was left out of the Hammers’ squad for Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace after telling manager Slaven Bilic he no longer wants to play for the club.
Payet is understood to be keen to return to France with officials from his former club Marseille set to hold talks with West Ham on Monday to discuss a deal.
When asked about Payet, Noble said: "I am angry and disappointed, because I have always said that he is one of the best players I have ever played with.
“I had - and I say had because I haven't really spoken to him for the last two or three weeks - a great relationship with him, but I don't know his reasons.
“I am not going to comment on why he wanted to leave but I do know that if someone doesn't want to play for the team then they are better off not even playing.”
Noble also reserved special praise for manager Slaven Bilic for the way he has handled a difficult situation.
“I thought the manager was right in what he did because it is hard,” Noble added. “You have to win games and if you have your best player who doesn't want to play for you then obviously he has had to do something about it.
“I have been here all my life so I find it hard to realise that someone wouldn't want to play for the club. It's a massive club and he is absolutely adored - was adored here - by the fans. But football and fans change quickly.”
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 9 months half price. Hurry, offer ends January 16th!
