Idrissa Gana Gueye has revealed that he continued to follow Everton’s matches during his three-year absence from Goodison Park.
Making the switch to PSG in 2019, the Senegalese international featured alongside a star-studded squad, lifting two league titles as well as winning the Coupe de France twice, as well as a Coupe de la Ligue and a Trophee des Champions during his time at the Parc des Princes. However, the midfielder insists that he always made time to watch his beloved Everton, admitting that he feared for the club’s survival last season.
Gueye said, “It hurt me to see the Club having a difficult time, but I never stopped believing in them. The last few games were really, really tough for me because I was believing but I was worrying, too. This club can’t go down to the Championship. When they managed to do it against Crystal Palace, they made me proud. Then, seeing the supporters after the final whistle and seeing what it means to them, it’s a good moment and it just shows how big a club this is.”
While the incredible full-time scenes against Crystal Palace last season were no doubt an impressive display of relief and passion from Evertonians, the Blues’ midfield dynamo, who re-joined the club in the summer, insists that he wants to put the relegation scare of last year behind us, reserving moments of celebration for successful campaigns.
“But now I want to leave those kind of moments and reactions for the successful moments. I want us to be celebrating winning, not staying in the league – it’s a different thing. Last season is done now. It’s a fresh start.”
Idrissa will also be hoping for success on the international stage, with his Senegalese side taking on Ecuador on Tuesday as they look to progress to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.