Payet takes huge paycut to be “Marseillais for life”

Dimitri Payet has agreed to unprecedented terms in his new Marseilles contract, which will see his salary take a huge cut.

Marseilles vice-captain Dimitri Payet has ultimately committed the rest of his career to the club. He has signed a contract that will keep him at the Ligue 1 runners up until he is 37 years-of-age.

While that in itself is nothing really spectacular is what is quite unbelievable is the terms that Payet has agreed to.

According to the club’s president, Jacques-Henri Eyraud 

In an interview reported by Goal, the player himself insist that he must lead by example in the demonstration of love for the club.

He said:

“I’ve often said that I love this club and that my family feels good here.”

“The idea came into my head when the president said that the players should make an effort. And who better than me to lead by example?”

“Saying you love the club is one thing, but showing it is better. I really want to be part of OM and help it grow.”

Club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud insists that Payet has sacrificed a great deal.

He added:

“Dimitri came to me to tell me that he wanted to be, and I quote: ‘Marseillais for life’.”

“He explained to me that he really wants to end his career here, and beyond finishing his career, pursue a real reconversion at the heart of the club he loves so much.”

“He’s accepted to cut his salary for 30% for the 2021-22 season. In the two additional years, he has agreed that his basic salary will be cut between 40% and 60%.”

“He’s given up his qualification bonuses for European competitions and a very large part of his payment over the last two years of his deal will only be guaranteed if he is a starter.”

“If he’s not in a position to speak on the park, then his wage will be dramatically reduced for a player of his experience and his quality.”

“This unprecedented effort shows the attachment that Payet has to this club.”