Iliman Ndiaye made his debut for Manchester City against Coventry on Saturday
Iliman Ndiaye of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Iliman Ndiaye of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Iliman Ndiaye says he couldn't turn down the opportunity to play in the Champions League after swapping Everton for Manchester City.
Ndiaye made his debut for his new club in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Coventry at the Etihad Stadium, where Erling Haaland scored the game's only goal.
He will return to European football's premier competition when City go to Porto on Tuesday having previously played in it while at Marseille, from whom he joined Everton in 2024.
After two years on Merseyside Ndiaye had looked set to leave the Blues all summer prior to his transfer deadline day move to City for an initial £60m, with the winger opting to join Enzo Maresca's side over fellow suitors Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking after his City debut, Ndiaye told the Manchester Evening News: "My week has been good.
"There was no stress or no panicking. I always say whatever comes, comes. God decides your future, it's already written. I was just being patient and when City came through I was buzzing.
"This is where I think I belong. I've worked hard to get to this point. When I was speaking with my wife I was telling her if I had to leave Everton it would be somewhere where I know I would be playing Champions League.
"For me it was always going to be City. I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world.
"I'm not saying Tottenham is not but when Manchester City comes through you don't say no. It's been a good week for me and topped off with a win today."