Friday 16 December 2016 14:58, UK
Dimitri Payet has given West Ham a major boost ahead of the January transfer window by insisting he is committed to helping the Hammers move away from relegation danger.
Slaven Bilic's side have struggled to find their best form this season and currently sit in 15th place, just four points above the relegation zone, leading to speculation in the national press that the 29-year-old could leave the club in the New Year.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan said in November he had no intention of selling Payet, while captain Mark Noble also stressed earlier this week the importance of keeping the French midfielder at the club.
Ahead of Saturday's crucial home clash against fellow strugglers Hull City, Payet has insisted his full focus is on recapturing his very best form for West Ham and lifting them up the Premier League table.
"West Ham are currently in a difficult situation," he said. "It takes a lot of my energy, I have to work and do what it takes to get out of this bad position.
"There are periods that are made for asking yourself questions, and I'll do it at that moment. I want to continue the season that I had in 2015-16 with France and West Ham, which was rather good."
Payet has been a stand-out performer for West Ham since arriving from Marseille for £10.75m in June 2015, scoring 15 goals in 55 appearances, and was rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal in February.
But when asked if he wanted to stay at West Ham for the next few years, Payet told L'Equipe Sport & Style:"I haven't asked myself the question yet. It's still not the right time.
"Of course I have ambitions, but I want to do things in order.
"Now, my objective is the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and to play in it, I need to perform well with my club."
