Iliman Ndiaye leaves door open for Marseille return despite Manchester City move

Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye has suggested his relationship with Marseille may not be over despite recently joining Manchester City, admitting he would consider returning to the French club in the future.

Ndiaye, 26, described Marseille as “his club” in an interview with La Provence and acknowledged the possibility of one day returning to the side where he began his football journey.

The forward has only recently completed his move to Manchester City, but his comments are likely to interest Marseille supporters who have continued to call for his return.

Ndiaye: ‘I don’t think that the story is finished’

Ndiaye was born and raised in Marseille and came through the club’s academy, although he did not make a first-team appearance during his initial spell there.

His breakthrough instead came in England with Sheffield United, where his performances earned him a €17m move to Marseille in 2023.

The Senegal international struggled to consistently reproduce his best form during his only season at the Vélodrome, although Marseille also endured a difficult campaign collectively.

Ndiaye subsequently moved to Everton, where his performances helped revive his career before Manchester City made a €70m move for him this summer.

Despite his new chapter in Manchester, Ndiaye has not ruled out another spell with Marseille.

“The shouts from Marseille supporters asking me to come back? It is nice to hear. I don’t think that the story is finished, but we will see. I’m just saying, I never know where it’ll lead me, but we’ll see anyway,” said the Senegal international.

Senegal star has strong Marseille connection

Ndiaye’s connection with Marseille goes beyond his time as a professional player.

Having grown up in the city and developed within the club’s academy, he retains a strong attachment to Marseille despite his difficult first-team experience there.

His return to the Vélodrome with Senegal also gave him another opportunity to reconnect with the club’s supporters.