The Big Interview - Dimitri Payet (Part Two)

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• published: 06 Apr 2016
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In Part Two of our exclusive interview with Dimitri Payet, the attacking midfielder looks ahead to the big London derby against Arsenal on Saturday. Payet reveals he was a big admirer of the famous 'Invincible' side that went the whole season without a defeat back in 2003/04 and has kept a close eye on the number of French players who have performed for the north London club since Arsene Wenger took charge. The Hammers are just three points behind Manchester City in fourth place and Payet gives his views on the race to secure a European spot come the end of the season. Arsenal have been renowned for having a number of French players over the last 15 to 20 years. Have you kept a kept close eye on them because of their French connections and Arsene Wenger being in charge of the club? DP: “Arsenal are a special club for many French supporters. I watched them a lot especially during the 'Invincible' era when they had Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires. “Arsene Wenger has been an extraordinary manager who has really built the club and made it what it is today, so my hat goes off to him. “The number of French players Arsenal have brought through is very impressive and many of the players who arrived, especially the young ones were unknown when they arrived to the general public. “But all of them have left Arsenal to join top clubs and this is something that we have seen in France. Any young player who joins them will be very well looked after.” We have had some memorable doubles this season over Liverpool and Manchester City. After recording a famous win over Arsenal on the opening day, how confident are you that we can have another big result and secure all three points on Saturday? DP: “We know it will be another tough game. Arsenal have a small hope of winning the title and they want to keep as close as they can to Leicester and Tottenham and also the Champions League positions. “We are are home and want to get the win. We are coming off a tough game against Crystal Palace, but we will prepare hard ahead of the match.” Can we finish in the top four and make it into the Champions League next season? DP: “It will be very tough but finishing in the top five will be a great season for us. That would guarantee European football next season which would be very important for the Club as they continue to develop. “Playing in Europe is important for clubs looking to progress. If you look at other clubs who have done that, you can see how far they come now. It is something that we want to do and become even bigger.” It is a big week for the Club with a London derby and then a huge FA Cup quarter final replay against Manchester United. It is the last ever cup game under the lights at the Boleyn Ground. How much are you looking forward to the big cup tie? DP: “It will be the last cup game at the stadium and we want to win it and get to Wembley for a semi-final and then hopefully the final. “The whole group is very focused on that match as well, along with the fans.”