Former West Ham attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet says he left in January because he was "bored" of the Premier League club's position in the table as well as their style of play.
The France international had initially claimed personal reasons were behind the move to Marseille, although he did reiterate that was still a factor in his thoughts to return to his former club.
Payet got his way as West Ham allowed to return to Marseille in a deal worth £25 million in the January transfer window.
West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady had described that deal as "bad business" for the club - although she did feel it was necessary given the situation.
In an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe, he said the defensive system employed by West Ham didn't please him and also added that he had been in touch with Marseille's new manager Rudi Garcia.
"You could say I was bored. I had had contact with Marseille and most notably with Rudi Garcia, who had a philosophy that I knew well," he said.
"The choice was quick. If I waited six months I would lose six months.
"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 need another challenge."
His family's desire to return to France was also a factor, with the player adding: "When I am happy on the pitch, it's because everything is going well off it. When it's complicated at family level that can stop you from being at ease in your job."
Since returning to Marseille, Payet has made six Ligue 1 appearances, scoring twice.
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