Official | Dimitri Payet leaves Vasco da Gama by mutual agreement | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama have confirmed the departure of Dimitri Payet (38) after agreeing to a mutual termination of the Frenchman’s contract, initially due to run until June 2025.

The former Olympique de Marseille playmaker joined the Rio de Janeiro side in August 2023 following his release by OM, where he spent eight seasons across two spells. Payet signed a two-year deal with Vasco but departs just short of completing the first year.

In total, the 38-time France international made 77 appearances for Vasco, scoring 8 goals and registering 16 assists. Despite some flashes of technical brilliance, he was unable to help the club secure silverware or escape a general sense of underachievement during his spell in Brazil.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Vasco thanked Payet for his “professionalism, dedication and respect” and wished him success in the next stage of his career. The club’s farewell concluded with a nod to the Frenchman’s roots: “Merci Payet. Ici, c’est Vasco.”

Payet’s final months in Brazil were marred by off-field controversy. In late March, a Brazilian lawyer filed a police complaint in Rio alleging “physical and psychological violence” by the player during what she described as a romantic relationship. Brazilian media reports, citing police documents, indicate that Payet acknowledged the extra-marital relationship but denied any violent conduct.GFFN | George Boxall