- Mark Noble praises Hammers teammate Dimitri Payet for lighting up Euro 2016
- Skipper opens Club's new Stadium store in special event
- Noble meets fans as new away kit goes on sale
Mark Noble believes his West Ham United teammate Dimitri Payet has been the standout performer at Euro 2016 so far following the Frenchman’s stunning contribution in the competition’s group stage.
Payet struck a late winner in the hosts’ opening game against Romania, before hitting the net again when they came up against Albania.
Now, with Payet joining fellow Hammers Darren Randolph, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna in the last 16, the skipper wants to see them all continue their adventure.
Speaking at the opening of the Hammers’ state-of-the-art flagship store at the new Stadium, Noble said: “Dimi has been the best player of the tournament so far. If he carries on then France will have a great chance of going a long way. I’ve been in contact with him making sure he comes back with us next year!
“I’ve watched as many games of the Euros as I can and it’s been interesting to watch Dimi, Daz, Ginge and Angelo. The home nations getting through is great too and I’m looking forward to the next round.
“The fact that all four of our players have got through is great for them and great for the football club. I wish them all the best in the next round.”
Noble was thrilled to have the honour of cutting the ribbon at the new store alongside competition winner Colin Rafferty and says fans will enjoy the experience at the Club’s new home.
He continued: “To have the privilege of being able to open the shop is great. After the rain on Wednesday night it took a little while to get here, but the fans came down in their numbers and it’s a really good opening.
“Some of the fans were queuing since 3am! It’s open now and everyone can come down to have a look around and look at all the new merchandise.
“The new away kit is out now too – we did the photoshoot for it at the end of last season so we knew it was a good kit and it looks just as good hanging up in the shop. I’m under strict orders to get about seven kits for all my family members so I’m sure it’s going to go down well.”