Sakho spells it out after “three wonderful years!”

Diafra Sakho is this morning reported as claiming he wants to leave West Ham in what can only be described as the most diplomatic of words.

It even includes a reference to his “three wonderful years” at the club which by any stretch of the imagination may be a slight overstatement.

Sakho scored the winner against Swansea earlier this month to briefly lift the pressure on boss Slaven Bilic but has now made it clear he sees is future in France.

He said: “I still want to leave – I don’t hide it. I want a change of environment. I’ve spent three wonderful years at West Ham but I want to see other things and I think that going to France would be a good challenge.

“One day in the future perhaps I’d like to come back, but right now I want a change of scenery.”

Sakho has since claimed the failed medical in Rennes during the summer – which saw him hit with new disciplinary rules, followed by the arrival of his agent and himself Chelmsford Racecourse that day – was sanctioned by the club.

But he said in his statement published in The Sun: “I understood the situation and came back – but that didn’t change my desire to leave.

“I’m happy to be here today, but nothing has changed. I have nothing against the fans, players or manager but nobody has convinced me to stay.”