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As the winter transfer window came to a close in the late hours of January, the majority of the Everton fanbase heaved a big sigh of relief as it appeared that Idrissa Gueye would stay with the Blues, at least until the summer when Paris St Germain may or may not return.
Gana didn’t play in the first game of February apparently due to a minor injury, but has been back to his best since returning to the squad against Manchester City and Watford FC.
With the Blues on an extended two week break now though, the Senegalese international went on a short break to his in-laws’ place in France and has spoken to the media for the first time since the window closed.
French outlet L’Equipe spoke to the midfielder recently -
“It is a dream that sadly did not come true. Every player works to join the best teams, to play in matches in the Champions League.
“But I was honoured that PSG were interested in me. Now, I know that I am of interest to these types of clubs, I am ready to go to the final level to join a top European club.
“I am going to work even more so that they come back to me. Maybe it is not finished with PSG.”
He was also asked about what had happened in talks between the two clubs.
“PSG asked my agents to find out how I could leave. But Everton put the brakes on right away. They did not want to sell me. I pushed.
“I saw the directors to tell them of my desire to go to Paris, it was a golden opportunity, a huge challenge not to miss at 29 years old.”
However it appears that no matter what he said to the Everton Board, the club backed manager Marco Silva who had insisted that he didn’t want to let him leave.
Gueye: "I'm not the type to clash with Everton [over the non-move]. I respect Everton, I respect the shirt. They allowed me to grow, to become known. So I remained pro, didn't strike. Although I'm disappointed I'll keep giving everything for Everton.
— Jeremy Smith (@jeremysmith98) February 16, 2019
At no time during the January window did we even get an inkling that Gueye was going to hold out or create the drama that is often seen from players who insist on getting their way. His response that he wants to work even harder to raise his value is also a sign of the player’s determination while remaining respectful to the club that he has a contract with.
The midfielder has always been a professional on the pitch, and now has shown that off the pitch as well.