Exclusive: Idrissa Gueye Provides Insight into His Contract Situation at Everton

At 35, most footballers begin to slow down, but not Idrissa Gueye. 

The Senegalese midfield maestro has been a rock in Everton’s midfield this season, shielding the back four with his trademark grit while producing moments of magic going forward. 

His two assists in Everton’s dramatic 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur highlighted his enduring quality, adding to a string of top performances against Brighton, Leicester City, Manchester United, Wolves, and West Ham; where he notched another crucial assist in their last game.  

Yet, with his contract winding down, this could be Gueye’s final season at Goodison Park. In this exclusive interview, Gueye opens up about his journey with the Toffees, his love for the club, life under David Moyes, and what the future holds.

“Everton gave me everything”

Having spent six seasons across two spells at Everton, Gueye’s connection to the club runs deep. When asked what playing for Everton means to him, his face lights up.  

"It means a lot because this club gave me the opportunity to play at a high level. It’s given me everything. I’ve had good mates, there are good fans, and I just love this club."

"I played here for three years before I went to PSG, and I’m back now, trying to do my best to help the team in the best way. It means a lot to me."

Adapting under Moyes

David Moyes’ return to the club has brought a renewed sense of direction, and Gueye has embraced the changes.  

"We’re training well. When the manager changes, the training can change with some things. We’re watching more film and working on more tactical things; playing small passes. We’re just trying to do our best and enjoy each moment."

"Hopefully, this manager will help us get to the next level. That’s what the club deserves, to play at the top level, fighting for Europe, not battling for relegation."

Fighting for Survival

Everton’s fight to stay clear of the relegation zone has required grit and determination, something Gueye has brought in abundance.  

"Yeah, I try my best. It’s nothing from me, just God helping me give these assists and support. We do our best, we train in the best way, and we try to help the club to stay in the Premier League."

"We deserve more than this. We have to do more for the next season, but finish the season in the right way all together, and yeah, we will see next season."

Uncertain future

With his contract nearing its end, speculation about Gueye’s future has been swirling. While Everton hopes for a renewal, the midfielder is taking things one step at a time.  

"I’m not in a rush to decide about my future. I would love to continue at this place I call home, but that’s not only my decision to make."

PSG days: Sharing the dressing room with Legends

Before returning to Everton, Gueye spent three seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, sharing a dressing room with football royalty; Lionel Messi and Neymar. He reflects fondly on the experience.  

"It was indeed strange at first, but I really enjoyed it and I liked sharing the dressing room with them. They are great people, great players."

"Obviously, there are many players who have shared the dressing room with Messi, Neymar, but to play with the duo together is very difficult and I have managed to do it."

When asked who impressed him the most, his admiration was clear.  

"The best finisher among them? Messi! It’s incredible; he doesn’t hit; he passes on goal. The most technical and the best dribbler? Neymar is very, very strong! Ball at the foot, if he wants, there is no one who can take the ball from him!"

Why Everton? 

Gueye’s love affair with Everton is no secret. When the time came to leave PSG, there was only one destination in his mind.  

"There is no better feeling than coming back home. I am very happy to be here at Everton again, to help and to work hard. I’ll give my soul to this team."

"Coming back here was important to me because I feel like I’m in my home. I’ve followed the team every week and watched how they play. For me, there is no better place than Everton, so that’s why I chose to come back here."

In fact, his decision was made long before PSG even opened the door.  

"For me, it’s special. I told PSG if I am going to leave, it will be for one team, and that was Everton. It was not a difficult decision for me because I love this club. That’s why I had to come home."

Legacy and what’s Next

As Gueye nears what could be his final games in an Everton shirt, his legacy is already cemented; a tireless midfielder who gave everything for the badge. Whether he stays or moves on, his impact on the club will endure.  

But for now, his focus is singular: helping Everton climb the table, one game at a time.  

"We need to make these games count. We have the talent, but now it’s about heart and execution."

And heart is something Idrissa Gueye has never been short of.