[Everton](https://sportwitness.co.uk/everton/) star Iliman Ndiaye has left the door open for a future return to Marseille, despite his two successful years on Merseyside.
The forward has been speaking to France Football about his career to date, relayed by [Foot Mercato](https://www.footmercato.net/a489137635347992723-iliman-ndiaye-lhistoire-nest-pas-du-tout-finie-avec-lom). And he was keen to explain why things went wrong for him at previous club Marseille.
First, though, he reflected warmly on the day he signed for the Ligue 1 club, making it clear how much it meant to him personally.
“On the day I signed, 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…”
Marseille spell came too early
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His time at Marseille did not develop as he had hoped, with the 26-year-old managing four goals and five assists in 46 games during his time there.
He eventually left a year after joining. And on reflection, knows that the move simply came too soon for him.
“At a club like that, you have to perform very quickly,” he added.
“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.”
Ndiaye appears to believe that the player he is now, after more experience at Premier League level, would have been better equipped to succeed in Marseille.
“I would have liked a second season at Marseille to show my progress,” he insisted.
“When we discussed Everton’s interest with the club’s management, nobody wanted to keep me. At least it was clear…
“It’s certain that 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 at OM.”
Everton progress fuels Marseille belief
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The Senegal international has since found his feet at Everton, establishing himself as their star man with 17 goals and three assists in 71 games.
He’s now valued at €55m and reports this summer have indicated that big sides such as Manchester United have him on their shortlist.
His improvement in England has seemingly strengthened his own belief that he could one day return to Marseille and prove a point. The player who left France may not be the same one currently impressing in the Premier League.
Ndiaye did not present his Marseille spell as a failure he wants to forget. Instead, he suggested it was part of his development and may even have helped him in the long term.
“I’m a believer and I think what happened was meant to happen,” he concluded.
“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.”