West Ham ended up having to let Dimitri Payet go for half of his £50 million valuation, according to the club’s co-owner David Gold.
The France international left the Premier League outfit with little choice but to move him on during the January transfer window.
Payet sale was 'damage-limitation'
Having seen him refuse to play for Slaven Bilic’s side and distance himself from the Hammers fold, a sale became inevitable.
Marseille quickly emerged as the frontrunners for Payet’s signature, as they looked to take him back to Stade Velodrome after just one full season in England.
They eventually put a £25m deal in place, with the 29-year-old getting his wish as the exit door opened at London Stadium.
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Various members of the West Ham board have been quick to air their opinion of the talented playmaker and his actions, with Gold suggesting that an unfortunate saga did few of those involved any favours.
"He's worth between £40-50m," he told BT Sport prior to the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Payet: I don't need to justify behaviour
"In the open market he'd have fetched at least £35m."
While disappointed to have seen Payet force through a move, West Ham were able to bring in Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass and Gold believes the squad at Bilic’s disposal is now more united.
"It is stronger in the sense that the morale is great now," he added.
"There was a period of time, a couple of months ago, where morale was reducing.
Marseille man Payet is no mercenary
"We had to make that decision, we didn't want him to leave and were desperate to keep him. The manager wanted to build the team around Dimitri but, sadly, sometimes it becomes impossible.
"You do everything you can and then you suddenly realise 'this isn't going to work' and you bite the bullet.
"He's let the fans down, he's let the football club down and I'm hugely disappointed."
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