David Gold admits that he was confident but couldn’t guarantee that Dimi Payet would be in the claret and blue this season.
As the co chairman prepares for the clash with Watford he told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “It was the talking point of the summer of course particularly after his Euro 2016 performances.
“I knew how happy he was at the club, how settled he was and how much he enjoyed living in London but I also know you can take nothing for granted in football – anything can happen at any moment.
“I’ve been around the game for far too long to ever offer any guarantees but I was confident he’s be back in the claret and blue for the reasons I mentioned.
“None of us can wait to see him get out there on Saturday, he’s one of the best players we’ve had at this club for a long lime and with Simone Zaza ready to join the party it could be a great day.”