Slaven Bilic sent a text message to Dimitri Payet before France played Romania
Payet has had a remarkable season at West Ham, helping Bilic's side qualify for the Europa League and being named in the Premier League Team of the Year.
"He got his chance because of his brilliant season at West Ham," Bilic, 47, told the Daily Mail.
"We are proud he is at our club — and, yes, he has a long contract!
"Some will say it is a double-edged sword for West Ham, and myself and that if Dimitri continues to play like that, there will be other big clubs circling.
"I don't think about that though. We are so proud to have him and apart from Luka Modric, or someone else from the Croatia team, I would like nothing better than if he was the player of the tournament.
"After that, what happens, happens but we know he is happy at West Ham.
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Payet celebrates his stunning winner for France in their Euro 2016 opener
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"I don't think that his performances will encourage a club bigger than us to try and get him — I just enjoy his football and I am glad for him.
"When I was at the Turkish club Besiktas I tried to get him there but it was quite impossible. He was already playing in a big league for Olympique Marseille, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and he had proved himself for them.
"OK, he maybe hadn't had such a great season as he went on to have at West Ham but he was a key player for them too.
"Since he came to our club he has improved again. He has matured, he has been consistent. Yes, I and my staff at the club have helped him but mainly he's done it himself.
"It was easy because his team-mates at West Ham recognised he was that special player. They also saw he was humble, he didn't want special treatment and he was happy to be there. He was also prepared to do the 'dirty' work to the level of his capabilities."