Iliman Ndiaye reflects on Champions League dream after impressive Manchester City start

Iliman Ndiaye has expressed his excitement at fulfilling a childhood ambition of playing in the UEFA Champions League following his impressive start to life at Manchester City.

The Senegal international has quickly established himself as an important attacking option since joining the Premier League champions, registering five assists across all competitions.

Ndiaye was speaking after Manchester City’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, where he provided an excellent assist for Enzo Fernández’s goal.

The 26-year-old delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area for the Argentine midfielder to head home in the 58th minute, restoring City’s advantage after Leipzig had equalised.

Reflecting on his experience of competing in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time, Ndiaye admitted that fulfilling the childhood ambition remains a special feeling.

Speaking after the victory, he said: “It’s very good. I’m enjoying it. It was a dream. Now it’s about forgetting the dream and just trying to do the job for the team to win the games.”

The winger also expressed satisfaction with his contribution to the team’s victory, explaining how understanding his teammates’ movement inside the penalty area helped him create the opportunity for Fernández.

“It’s good to contribute for the win,” he added.

Ndiaye making his mark at Manchester City

The Senegalese forward’s arrival at Manchester City has provided him with an opportunity to showcase his attacking qualities on both domestic and European stages.

His five assists across competitions underline his growing influence in Enzo Maresca’s attacking setup, with his pace, dribbling and creativity offering additional options in the final third.

Ndiaye will now turn his attention to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, where Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from their recent league defeat against Brighton.

The former Everton attacker will hope to maintain his impressive form and continue contributing to City’s pursuit of silverware this season.