Dimitri Payet has said he was “bored” at West Ham and felt his career was in danger of going backwards prior to his return to Marseille.
The France international made an acrimonious exit from the London Stadium during the January transfer window, having made it clear he did not want to play for the Hammers.
He rejoined Marseille, who sold him to West Ham in 2015 and moved to re-sign him after he asked for a move.
And, speaking to L’Equipe, Payet claimed he was hampered by West Ham’s style of play and that he felt he would “lose six months” if he waited until the summer to leave.
“The way we played, the defensive system we used, didn’t please me,” Payet is quoted as saying.
“You could say I was bored. I had had contact with Marseille and most notably with (Marseille coach) Rudi Garcia, who had a philosophy that I knew well.
“The choice was quick. If I waited six months I would lose six months.”
He added: “With West Ham, at home against Hull we won 1-0 and they hit the post four times.
“In the changing room everyone was happy, but the the man of the match that day was the post.
“I thought that I would not have room for improvement. On the contrary, I risked regressing. I needed another challenge.”