Premier League cult hero Dimitri Payet set to leave Brazilian side on a free transfer amid sexual assault case after being accused of forcing ex-mistress to 'drink her own urine'
Dimitri Payet has left Brazilian club Vasco da Gama on a free transfer, the club have confirmed, amid a current sexual and physical assault case against the 38-year-old.
The former West Ham and France star stands accused of 'physical and psychological violence' towards his former 'mistress', Brazilian lawyer Larissa Natalya Ferrari, who was allegedly forced to drink her own urine and lick the floor during a turbulent seven-month affair.
He joined the Brazilian outfit in 2023 after leaving Marseille, where he spent six years following his West Ham departure where he quickly earned himself Premier League cult icon status.
While at Vasco da Gama he featured 75 times, scoring seven times and assisting 13 goals, though the club have now announced his time will come to an end.
'Vasco da Gama informs that, in an amicable manner, they have reached an agreement for the early closure of the link with midfielder Dimitri Payet.
'The club thanks the athlete for the professionalism, dedication and respect shown throughout his journey through São Januário, and wishes success in his upcoming challenges.
'For Vasco, Payet has played 77 matches, scored 8 goals and contributed 16 assists.
'Thank you, Payet.'
Last month, Brazilian outlet G1 claimed to have obtained a document with details of the case against Payet in which the lawyer attested to suffering from borderline personality disorder, believing the former Rio de Janeiro-based Vasco da Gama star took advantage of her condition.
'Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me,' she is reported to have said by G1. 'Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts.'
However, according to RMC Sport via Brazilian outlet Extra, the prosecutor's office is now seeking to dismiss the complaint due to a lack of evidence required to charge the 38-year-old.
The report states that the plaintiff's defence has appealed the decision.
Last month reports claimed that Payet had denied 'physical and psychological violence' towards his 'mistress' in a statement to Brazilian police.
The Frenchman was reportedly heard at the Women's Assistance Police Station where he admitted to having a relationship with Ferrari but insisted every act during their union was consensual.
Furthermore, Payet, who left his wife of almost 20 years Ludivine and their four children back in his homeland during his time in Brazil, was alleged to have admitted to the acts but maintained that they were consensual and proposed by Ferrari.
G1's report mentioned an encounter when Ferrari 'requested slaps during sexual intercourse' and as a result, developed marks on her body.
The Frenchman also reportedly claimed that the two used wooden chairs during sexual intercourse, and that, due to Ferrari's light skin, any pressure would lead to marks.
It followed Ferrari's impassioned public plea for 'justice', in a statement in which she claimed to have been 'humiliated' by the 38-cap former Les Blues star.
'I want justice because he abused my psychological vulnerability to gain sexual advantage,' she told AFP. 'He demanded proof of love from me, which consisted of humiliation.
'I recorded videos in which I drank my urine, drank water from the toilet bowl, and licked the floor. I'm a lawyer, I would never have made such serious complaints lightly.'
It was claimed that Payet refused Ferrari's desire to continue this relationship in France, on the condition he pay her expenses, as his time in the country approached its end.
According to the player, the lawyer's behaviour changed from then on, leading to her threatening to 'expose his secrets' if he did not respond within four hours of her birthday message.
The 38-year-old had left his wife of almost 20 years (Ludivine) and their four kids back home
During his time at Vasco da Gama, Payet played 77 matches, with eight goals and 16 assists
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Payet's lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: 'It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now.
'The defense is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts.'
Payet is widely regarded as one of West Ham's most talented players this century but left under a cloud to re-join Marseille after just 18 months in 2017. He stays at the Stade Velodrome for six-and-a-half years before moving to Brazil in 2023.
In March, Larissa revealed that they had had a seven-month affair.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: 'One thing I want to make clear is that it was never about money. There was no need for it.
'There's not much I can say because there's no explanation or anything to justify it.
'But one thing I want to make extremely clear is that it was never for money, not before, not now. In fact, the last time I went to Rio, I went by bus.'
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