Payet admits he had tears in his eyes

Highy emotional Dimitri Payet admits that he had the shivers before arriving off the bench for his Irons return against Liverpool.

The club’s talisman declared to West Ham TV: “Honestly, I had shivers during the warm-up before I came on. Then that ovation, I thank all the supporters who are behind me and believe in me. It’s a powerful feeling and I had tears in my eyes. It’s true that the year’s started well. I’m pleased that we’ve won and we had to do it against a team of Liverpool’s calibre. For me to come back under these circumstances is a really good start to the year.”

And of course the new Dimi song got its airing with the main declaring: “I’ve heard the song several times at the ground. It’s their way of saying that they’ve not forgotten me and that truly encourages me to work hard to get back to my best level.”

“I didn’t have to have an operation, so I saved a bit of time in my recuperation. Then I spent ten days back at home in Reunion, which really did me good and so when I returned, I felt good psychologically.

“When I got back it was back to work with the physios, with whom I worked very hard. And I thank them because the reason that I’m able to play today it’s also thanks to them who helped me get back on my feet.

“Of course we’ll continue to be careful, we mustn’t go too quickly, but we’re happy that I’m back after only two months.”

“From start to finish we were at it on Saturday. We had the match against Southampton where we had struggled to get going in the game. But here, we were at it straight away.

“We managed to score quickly and we got some breathing space straight after half-time. So it was a match that went to plan and I congratulate the team.”