Monday 13 June 2016 09:48, UK
Slaven Billic has revealed he told Dimitri Payet he was the 'best player' at Euro 2016 before the West Ham midfielder's match-winning performance for France.
Payet snatched a 2-1 victory over Romania for the hosts when he found the target with a stunning curling shot in the 89th minute of their opening match of the tournament on Friday night.
"Before France played Romania on Friday night, I texted Dimitri Payet to wish him all the best," wrote the Hammers boss in the Daily Mail.
"The text read: 'Enjoy it, you have nothing to prove, you are the best player there.'
"I wasn't wrong, was I? He was fantastic, not only with his late match-winning goal but overall. France were playing everything through him.
"When he was on the left side they attacked on that side - when he went into the middle they did the same.
"It is incredible how, in this strong French team, most of the players, when they had the ball, were looking for Dimitri. It's amazing, particularly because he hasn't been a regular for the French team. He had to prove himself.
"He got his chance because of his brilliant season at West Ham. We are proud he is at our club - and, yes, he has a long contract!"
The West Ham boss, who is working as a TV pundit during the tournament, said he is proud to have Payet as a player and added that he does not care if the 29-year-old's starring role for the hosts is likely to attract the attention of other clubs.
"Some will say it is a double-edged sword for West Ham, and myself and that if Dimitri continues to play like that, there will be other big clubs circling.
"I don't think about that though. We are so proud to have him and apart from Luka Modric, or someone else from the Croatia team, I would like nothing better than if he was the player of the tournament.
"After that, what happens, happens but we know he is happy at West Ham."
