Magaye Gueye has admitted that Aston Villa ‘wanted’ to sign him before the highly-rated forward joined Premier League rivals Everton in the summer of 2010, speaking via the Liverpool Echo.
Everton are hardly overloaded with attacking quality these days – who saw Demarai Gray carrying one of England’s biggest clubs on his shoulders so soon after being bombed out of Leicester City? – but it was a different story a decade ago.
Gueye arrived at Goodison Park at a time when Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and a bludgeoning, battering Marouane Fellaini were plying their trade on the blue side of the city.
As such, opportunities were few and far between. Gueye made just five Premier League starts in Everton colours before seeing his contract terminated in 2014.
‘I didn’t make it at Everton’
“I am a typical number 10. But football changed, a lot of managers want counter-attacking teams and play 4-3-3,” explains Gueye, who believes he never really suited David Moyes’ preferred tactical approach.
“Playing on the left reduced my potential. I was never really fast, not really a winger.
“I liked to touch the ball, like Steven Pienaar. But Everton had Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill, who were strong in the air, so the manager wanted me to provide crosses.
“I didn’t make it at Everton. But I will never forget the club because of the great people.
“I knew I had the talent to be a great player at Everton. I went home and cried after my last day. It was not Everton’s fault, it was my fault. If you are not at peace, if you have so many problems outside the pitch, it is hard to perform at that high level.
“That’s why I regret that time so much – I couldn’t give it my all.”
What next for Magaye Gueye?
Now 31, Gueye is currently plying his trade in the Greek second tier with the tongue-twisting Anagennisi Karditsa.
The former France U21 international has also taken in spells at Millwall, Qarabag and Adanaspor since bidding farewell to life at Everton.
“Other clubs wanted me (before I joined The Toffees),” Gueye adds. “Lyon, Monaco, Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
“The Strasbourg president spoke to (former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager) Gerard Houllier, who I knew from the France youth teams. Houllier said Everton was a very good club with a good manager.
“David Moyes also asked him about me and he said very good things.”
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