
Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud has lauded Dimitri Payet after he accepted a considerable pay-cut to extend his contract until the summer of 2024.
The Frenchman made the comeback to Les Phoceens from West Ham United in January 2017 and he has since been one of the club’s consistent performers.
Andre Villas-Boas’ side recently finished second in the curtailed Ligue 1 season and Payet played an influential role as he registered nine goals and four assists from 22 outings.
Les Phoceens were recently assured of their Champions League berth after they avoided potential expulsion for breaking the FFP guidelines and Payet has followed up by signing a fresh two-year contract extension.
Speaking in a press conference, Eyraud heaped praise on Payet after he made the decision to stay put with the French outfit with the possibility of a backroom role in the long-term.
“Dimitri came to see me to tell me that he wants to be “Marseille for life.” I really liked hearing these words. He explained to me that he wants to finish his career here and then start a new career plan working inside the club he loves so much,” He told.
Payet currently earns a basic salary of £100,000-a-week at Les Phoceens, but he has accepted to take a 30 percent pay-cut on his wages for the 2021/2022 campaign.
Meanwhile, the reduction of his basic salary would be between 40 to 60 percent for the subsequent seasons and Eyraud confirmed the same to reporters on Sunday.
“He has accepted to reduce his salary by 30% for 2021/22. On the two additional years in his contract, he has accepted his base salary to be reduced by between 40% & 60%,” He added.
Furthermore, Eyraud revealed that the Frenchman has also accepted to waive off any bonuses for qualification to European competitions and a large part of the remuneration during his final two seasons will depend on whether he makes the starting lineup.
Les Phoceens may have qualified for next season’s Champions League, but they are still suffering financially with debts of around €200m. Hence, they could be compelled to sell a couple of leading players this summer unless there is fresh investment into the club.
It has been recently reported that French businessman Mourad Boudjellal is planning a potential takeover of Les Phoceens from existing owner Frank McCourt. The 60-year-old is prepared to invest around €200m on summer signings after settling the debts and paying out for the club’s assets.
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