Payet explains why he kept Flamengo shirt out of sight out of respect for Vasco | OneFootball

Dimitri Payet has explained why he kept rival shirts out of sight during his stint at Vasco, citing respect for the Rio rivalry and the club’s fans. He also recalled facing Gerson during his time in Brazilian football, when the midfielder was at Flamengo.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Payet said he owns shirts from Luis Henrique, who played for Marseille and Botafogo, and from Gerson, who was at Marseille and Flamengo, but chose to leave them at home out of respect for Vasco and its supporters. He described both players as friends but preferred not to show those shirts.

He joined Vasco in mid 2023 aiming to help change the club’s standing in Brazilian football. He started well but departed without a trophy. In total he made 77 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 16 assists.

Before leaving in July 2025, he featured in the Copa do Brasil campaign. Had the São Januário side lifted the trophy, he would also have received credit, but they were beaten by Corinthians in the final and finished runners-up.

As Payet looked back on his spell, Flamengo’s squad were given Sunday 23 and Monday 24 off, returning to training on Tuesday 25 at Ninho do Urubu. Out of the Copa do Brasil, they have a free week to rest and focus on work under coach Leonardo Jardim.

Flamengo’s next fixture is against Botafogo on Sunday 30 in the Brasileirão at the Maracanã, with kick-off at 16:00 Brasília time.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”