Marseille: Iliman Ndiaye: "I don't play for the money"
Iliman Ndiaye has been officially presented to the press as Olympique de Marseille's new player.
Sport News Africa · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
Iliman Ndiaye and his desire to join Olympique de Marseille
"I'm very proud of my choice. I don't play football for the money. Football is me, I hardly know anything else. For me, Marseille are one of the best clubs in the world. I didn't want to go anywhere else. The welcome from the supporters and the messages pushed me even more to come."
Read more: OM: Iliman NDiaye, the dream becomes reality
The welcome he received on arriving at the airport, even before signing
"I still haven't got over it. I had an incredible welcome at the airport. The messages I received were incredible. It's a dream to be welcomed like that at your boyhood club. I've dreamed of making my debut at the Vélodrome since I was little."
https://twitter.com/snewsafrica/status/1688546193691885568
His partnership with Ismaïla Sarr
"We've already played together with Sarr, we have a good relationship. With the national team, I've already played in several positions. I can play in any attacking role. But yes, as he said, we're going to do something special. After all, OM isn't about one player, it's about the whole team."
His position and style of play
"Marcelino can put me wherever he wants, I can play in any attacking position (…) I give everything on the pitch, I work hard. I'm a dribbler, I want to give everything for the shirt, fight for my team-mates and do everything to win matches."
His first match against Bayer Leverkusen
"I had a bit of cramp against Bayer Leverkusen, I was a little tired but it's not a problem, it happens. I think we have a very good attack. I hadn't had much time to train. I've already seen all the players play, how they want to play, and I think there were some good things and good understanding with them on the pitch. We were able to work harder in training this week."
His ambition with OM
"You play at OM to win matches. We prepare to win them (…) Of course I'm thinking about winning individual honours. OM are watched all over the world. Playing for OM can help me win individual awards, but right now I'm thinking above all about the team."