‘I owe everything to this club’ - Idrissa Gueye committed to Everton again after PSG interest

The future of Idrissa Gueye was a key talking point during the January transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain making repeated bids to sign the midfielder.

The club must have been tempted to to cash-in on Gueye given he is 29 and his value is only going to depreciate.

However, they also deserve credit for refusing to be bullied by the French champions and refusing to countenance any bids below their £30m asking price.

Gueye, understandably, was interested in the move and reportedly handed in a transfer request in order to try and push through a deal. But Everton held firm and with PSG refusing to increase their offer, Gueye had no choice but to re-focus back to his current employers.

The Senegal international has since opened up about the failed move in an interview with Canal + via Sport Witness.

Evertonians have grown used to their players complaining to foreign broadcasters over the years - Kevin Mirallas being a prime culprit. So it is refreshing to read Gueye’s comments and witness the professionalism he is demonstrating despite his obvious disappointment.

“Everyone knows I was a little disappointed not to join Paris Saint-Germain because they are a big club and every player dreams of playing for this kind of club, to play in the Champions League, to win trophies.

“I managed it rather well, I was able to quickly resume and focus on my club Everton and try to finish the season.

“I was ready to go, but it did not happen. We move on and try to work for our club.

“It’s really not in my nature to make a scene and clash with the board knowing they’ve done everything for me, that they’ve already been correct with me. They allowed me to stay in the Premier League after Aston Villa got relegated.

“I owe everything to this club and will continue to give everything for the club as long as I’m there.”

Gueye has backed up those words with some impressive performances on the pitch since returning to the side at the start of last month.

He may be playing for a summer move of course, but that approach is far more preferable than sulking or going on strike. So for that he deserves enormous credit.