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Dimitri Payet has hit back at David Sullivan declaring: "I do not have to justify my behaviour with West Ham.”

French ace Payet completed his long-awaited £25million return to Marseille on Sunday evening.

The 29-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the French side, whom he left to join the Hammers 18 months ago.

He excelled in his debut season in England, earning a new £125,000-a-week, five-and-a-half year contract last February, as well as a PFA Players' Player of the Year nomination and reclaiming a spot in the France squad.

Payet went on strike earlier this month to force through a move, having grown homesick in London and with his wife and kids having already returned to the south of France.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: REUTERS)

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The Hammers’ hierarchy were prepared to hold the playmaker to his contract and rejected three bids from OM, before acquiescing to the demands of Slaven Bilic to allow the player to leave.

Hammers co-owner Sullivan fired a parting shot at Payet following confirmation of his move.

Sullivan declared: “the club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the club and fans showed him.”

(Image: Getty)

But now Payet has hit back, declaring at his unveiling: "I do not have to justify my behaviour to West Ham. Not at all. I was not happy and needed to return home.

“I spoke to the manager, Slaven Bilic, face to face.

"Going back to Marseille is a personal choice. I was no longer feeling well at West Ham, I needed to return to my roots.

“I will speak about this, but not now. I would prefer to savour this moment. I will speak about those things when the time is right.

"I lived an exceptional year at West Ham. It didn't end in the way I would have wanted it to. I have a great memory of the fans of the club.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: West Ham via Getty)

Payet, who also had offers from China, has taken a pay cut to return to the Stade Velodrome. Payet’s representatives were contacted by Hebei China Fortune, over a potential £500,000 per month after tax deal.

"If I was in this for the money, I would have been in a different country a very long time ago," he added.

"It is not my motivation. This has been a sacrifice financially but money doesn't drive me.

(Image: REUTERS)

"I am very happy to return here. It's my home. It's what I wanted. I want to thank everyone that made it happen. They did everything to make it all possible.

"I was clear from the start I wanted to return and take part in the project. I was missing France and Ligue 1.'

And he says he is ready to make his debut in Tuesday night’s clash with Lyon: “If Rudi Garcia needs me, I’m available."