The football world has been rocked by the passing of Pierre Payet, one of France's greatest ever players. The former Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham United midfielder passed away on Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer.
Payet was born in Nice in 1982 and began his professional career at Nice before moving to PSG in 2004. He went on to play for several top clubs including West Ham, Manchester United and Aston Villa, where he won the Premier League title in 2015-16.
Payet was known for his exceptional skills on the ball and his ability to create chances for himself and others. He was also renowned for his leadership qualities, often inspiring his team-mates with his calmness under pressure.
In 2018, Payet announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment, but it appears that his battle with the disease had taken its toll. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest French footballers of all time.
The football community has paid tribute to Payet's incredible talent and contributions to the sport. His death is a great loss not only for the fans who loved him but also for the wider footballing world.
Rest in peace, Pierre Payet. You will be missed.