Iliman Ndiaye explains why he chose Manchester City over Tottenham

Iliman Ndiaye has finally shed light on the reasons that led him to reject an offer from Tottenham and complete a deadline-day switch to Manchester City. The Senegalese winger was at the centre of one of the most talked-about moves of the final day of the window, joining from Everton in a £60m transfer and leaving behind a Spurs side that had made the first move.

• Ndiaye prioritised Champions League football and the chance to play for one of the best teams in the world when choosing City.
• Tottenham had opened talks for around £60m, with Richarlison heading back to Everton for £35m in a separate deal.
• The Senegal international spoke with Enzo Maresca before sealing the move and said the manager showed total admiration for his game.
• His debut in a City shirt ended in a 1-0 win over Coventry, with only a late cramp scare and no injury concerns.

Champions League football drives Ndiaye's Tottenham snub

Although the London club moved first, Ndiaye's mind was made up the moment City entered the race. The winger felt Manchester offered what Tottenham could not guarantee: competing every season for Europe's top club prize. His desire to test himself against the continent's best carried more weight than any other factor.

For me it was always going to be City. I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I'm not saying Tottenham is not, but when Manchester City comes through, you don't say no.

Enzo Maresca's phone call sealed the deal for Manchester City

The conversation with the Manchester City manager tipped the scales for good. Ndiaye felt from the very first contact that Maresca valued him in a special way, and that trust did the rest. The coach's sporting project matched perfectly the ambition of a player who had been working for years to reach this level.

From family talks to his Everton exit

Ndiaye made no secret of the fact that the decision was discussed within his family. The Senegalese had spoken with his wife in the weeks before the window closed and made it clear that, if he ever left Goodison Park, it would only be for a club with genuine Champions League aspirations. That red line defined the whole process and explains why Tottenham's earlier approach never came to fruition.

Winning debut for Ndiaye at Manchester City

Ndiaye's first appearance for his new club came on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Coventry. The winger was substituted in the closing stages, but he quickly calmed any concerns by confirming it was simply cramp. A promising first step for a player who arrives determined to establish himself at the top level and prove why City backed him in a £60m move.

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