Idrissa Gana Gueye opens up on ‘dream’ as Everton primed for lengthy absence
Idrissa Gana Gueye is looking forward to his time away from Everton with the African Cup of Nations looming.
The 36-year-old is set to feature for Senegal alongside his team-mate Iliman Ndiaye at this year’s AFCON tournament, which begins on Sunday.
Gueye is a key player for Everton, even at his ripe age, and David Moyes will have to find a solution to the Toffees’ midfield with his temporary Merseyside exit.
Everton may struggle without Gueye and Ndiaye, but ultimately the Blues cannot stop the pair from following their dreams.
Gueye has now revealed exactly why he can’t wait to represent his country in what could be one of his final tournaments for Senegal.
Idrissa Gana Gueye explains Senegalese passion
Gueye had his moment of madness this season when he appeared to strike his team-mate Michael Keane during Everton‘s 1-0 win at Old Trafford in November.
But after serving a three-game suspension, Gueye was straight back in the fold for the Toffees when Moyes’ side lost to Chelsea last time out in the Premier League.
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Gueye has done lots of good during his time at Everton, and he will be fully aware that Toffees fans will be behind him and Ndiaye in Senegal’s crucial group stage matches in December.
Speaking to the Premier League on YouTube ahead of his departure, Gueye expressed his emotions at representing Senegal at this year’s AFCON.
Gueye said: “It means a lot. As Senegalese players, we all dream of playing for our country and defending our colours, all around the world; In the World Cup and African Cup.
“I’m proud of this because it was my dream when I was young, growing up with this in my mind. I’m very, very happy.”
He will be sorely missed, but even if he and Ndiaye make it to the final, Everton may still be winners.
Everton can still benefit from Iliman Ndiaye and Gueye’s time away
Everton fans will probably think that the worst thing that can happen in Ndiaye and Gueye’s case is for Senegal to reach the final of AFCON, which takes place on 18 January.
Senegal will be one of the favourites to win the tournament, meaning Moyes could be without his star men for multiple games.
However, if Senegal were to make it all the way, that would be that the Everton pair would return to Merseyside on a high, and in fine form.
Not only that, but international tournaments tend to add extreme value to a player’s market price if performances impress.
While Gueye’s market value may not shift dramatically due to his age, Ndiaye’s might, and Everton could cash in on the latter for a game-changing fee.
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