Dimitri Payet left the field in tears of joy after scoring the last-gasp winning goal in France's 2-1 win over Romania to launch their European Championship campaign in style on Friday.
The 29-year-old said he had been overcome by the way he has fought his way into the French team this year with a stunning season at West Ham United in the English Premier League.
"At the start of the season, a lot of people would have found it hard to believe I would be here," said the attacking midfielder who fired a stunning 25-metre strike at the Stade de France just when France needed inspiration against the stubborn Romanians.
"I have got here by working hard," said the hero of the night, who added that he wanted to "soak up the experience" of playing in Euro 2016.
"When I saw the stadium tonight I knew I was going to have fun," said Payet who predicted more hard-working performances.
After the match, West Ham warned off rival clubs who could be tempted by an offer.
"The whole of Europe understands #WeveGotPayet," the London club said on its Twitter account.
The 29-year-old said he had been overcome by the way he has fought his way into the French team this year with a stunning season at West Ham United in the English Premier League.
"At the start of the season, a lot of people would have found it hard to believe I would be here," said the attacking midfielder who fired a stunning 25-metre strike at the Stade de France just when France needed inspiration against the stubborn Romanians.
"I have got here by working hard," said the hero of the night, who added that he wanted to "soak up the experience" of playing in Euro 2016.
"When I saw the stadium tonight I knew I was going to have fun," said Payet who predicted more hard-working performances.
After the match, West Ham warned off rival clubs who could be tempted by an offer.
"The whole of Europe understands #WeveGotPayet," the London club said on its Twitter account.
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