everton Despite his two successful years on Merseyside, star Iliman Ndiaye has left the door open to a future return to Marseille.
The forward talks about his career in France football so far, via Riley foot market. And he was keen to explain why things went wrong for him at previous club Marseille.
However, first of all, he reflected warmly on the day he signed for the Ligue 1 club, making it clear how much it meant to him personally.
"The day I signed, there was a player inside me who wanted to take the next step. But I was also a kid who was dreaming," he said.
"And then, the reception from the fans. I have no words; it was so crazy. I hadn't made a name for myself yet. I thought if there were three people there to welcome me, it would have already been the end of the world..."
The magic of Marseille came too early
His time at Marseille did not develop as he had hoped, with the 26-year-old scoring four goals and five assists in 46 games during his time there.
He eventually left a year after joining. Upon further reflection, it turns out that this move came too early for him.
“In a club like this you have to perform very fast,” he said.
"I struggled; I won't deny that. But, contrary to what is being said, I didn't put too much pressure on myself. The reality is that I didn't really go through any youth academy, and I only had one professional season in the English second division.
"So, there were still shortcomings in my game for a top French club, which should be one of the best. I lacked a bit of experience at the highest level."
Ndiaye believes that with more experience at Premier League level, he would have been better equipped to succeed at Marseille than the player he is now.
"I would love a second season at Marseille to show my progress," he insisted.
"When we discussed Everton's interest with the club's management, no one wanted to keep me. At least that was clear...
“It is certain that if I had come two years later, with two Premier League seasons, I am sure the story at OM would have turned out very differently.”
Everton's progress boosts Marseille confidence
The Senegal international has since found his footing at Everton and has established himself as their star man with 17 goals and three assists in 71 games.
He is now valued at €55 million and reports this summer suggest that big teams such as Manchester United have him on their shortlist.
His improvement in England has strengthened his own belief that he can one day return to Marseille and prove his point. The player who has left France may not be the same player who is currently impressing in the Premier League.
Ndiaye does not represent his Marseille spell as a failure that he wants to forget. Instead, he suggested that it was part of his development and may have even helped him in the long run.
“I'm a believer and I think what happened was meant to happen,” he concluded.
"Maybe that season at Marseille helped me in the long run. And I'm sure the story is not over with Marseille at all."
