Iliman Ndiaye says it is time for him to ‘follow his childhood dream’ after bidding farewell to Sheffield United supporters on social media today. The 23-year-old’s move to Marseille is set to be confirmed soon.
The forward has been the subject of a long-running transfer saga this summer as he entered the final year of his contract. United had hoped to tie him down to a new deal with fresh terms.
They came ever so close after offering a lucrative contract but a last-minute change of heart meant Sheffield United agreed a deal with the French Ligue 1 side, rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.
Taking to Instagram,
Iliman Ndiaye said: “Sheffield United Football Club, what an incredible journey it has been. I was only 18 when I arrived at the club, full of hope and desire to show the people that trusted me what I was capable of. Four years later, as I look back on all we have been through together, I feel particularly proud of everything that we have achieved and of having put this club back where it belongs, in the Premier League. I have always given the best of myself on and off the pitch to thank you all for the incredible support and love you have shown me from day one. It was not only special to me but also to my family. I would sincerely like to thank the coach and his staff for the trust they have placed in me, as well to every single person who has made this club what it is today, and all of my team-mates for these very special moments experienced together. And for you, fans, it is difficult to find the words. Your constant support has motivated me to be the best and to defend these colours the best that I could. I won’t forget anything; the Lane’s atmosphere, the chant I ended up singing alone at home, the shared joys a few months ago when we officially went up. This journey has come to an end, because I feel it is time for me to follow my childhood dream and my story and I am sure you will all understand it. I wish you all the best and I will be your forever supporter.”
