Ndiaye not giving up on Marseille dream

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Everton star Iliman Ndiaye has hinted he could return to Marseille down the line as he opened up on his previous struggles with the French giants.

Ndiaye joined Marseille in 2023 on the back of an excellent season with Sheffield United.

The forward recorded 24 goal involvements (14 goals, 10 assists) as the Blades gained promotion from the Championship.

Yet Ndiaye did not stay to play in the Premier League, instead making the move to Marseille, instead making the move to Marseille, the club he supported as a boy and where he spent part of his youth career.

However, Ndiaye failed to settle, playing 30 times in Ligue 1 but making only 19 starts. He scored three times and provided three assists, with Everton purchasing him for £15m ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Ndiaye became an instant hit at Everton, though after two years on Merseyside, the Senegal international has reportedly turned down several contract offers, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal among the clubs linked with a move.

And in an interview with France Football, as quoted by Sport Witness, Ndiaye suggested he wants to return to Marseille one day.

“On the day I signed [for Marseille], there was the player in me who wanted to take the next step. But also the child who was dreaming,” he said.

“And then, the welcome from the fans. I’m lost for words; it was so crazy. I hadn’t made a name for myself yet. I thought that if there were three people there to greet me, it would already be the end of the world.

“At a club like that, you have to perform very quickly.

“I struggled; I won’t deny it. But, contrary to what was being said, I didn’t put too much pressure on myself. The reality is that I didn’t really go through a youth academy, and I’d only had one professional season in the English second tier. So, there were still gaps in my game for a top French club that has to be among the best. I lacked a bit of experience at the highest level.

“I would have liked a second season at Marseille to show my progress. When we discussed Everton’s interest with the club’s management, nobody wanted to keep me. At least it was clear. If I’d arrived two years later, with two Premier League seasons under my belt, I’m sure the story would have turned out very differently.

“I’m a believer and I think what happened was meant to happen. Perhaps that season in Marseille even helped me in the long run. And I’m certain the story isn’t over at all with Marseille.”

Ndiaye was a key part of the Senegal team that initially won the Africa Cup of Nations in January – a title they have since been stripped of.

The 26-year-old is now preparing for Senegal’s World Cup campaign, which starts against favourites France on Tuesday.

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