Iliman Ndiaye has explained why he chose Manchester City, insisting that the opportunity to join one of football's biggest clubs and compete for trophies was too good to turn down.
The Senegal international made his City debut in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry City, starting alongside several of the club's new signings as Enzo Maresca's revamped side maintained its perfect start to the season.
Asked about his decision to join City, Ndiaye was clear about the attraction of the move.
“It's one of the biggest clubs in the world, who doesn't want to be here?!”
The 26 year old added that winning trophies is the ultimate objective, saying... “You play to win trophies; in all the games the goal is to win them.”
Why Manchester City appealed to Ndiaye
Ndiaye's decision came after a busy transfer window in which his future was the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs.
Manchester City eventually secured his signature from Everton on a five year contract, with the deal reportedly worth around £65 million.
City's appeal is straightforward... Ndiaye has joined a club that expects to compete for major honours every season.
The forward also fits the type of attacking player Maresca is looking to add to his squad.
Manchester City describe him as a versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, while his two footed ability and dribbling give the team another option in the final third.
That versatility could become particularly valuable as Maresca continues to establish his preferred attacking combinations.
Ndiaye makes his City debut
The move became real for Ndiaye on Saturday when he was handed a starting place against Coventry.
He played 87 minutes as City secured a 1-0 victory through Erling Haaland's first half header.
Although the Senegalese forward did not get on the scoresheet, he showed flashes of the qualities that attracted City, including his willingness to take on defenders.
The performance was also part of a significant day for City's new-look squad.
Enzo Fernández made his debut after joining from Chelsea, while Haaland's goal marked his 300th club goal.
For Ndiaye, however, the immediate priority is adaptation.
He has moved from Everton into a team with considerably different expectations, and there will be greater competition for attacking places.
His ability to operate in several positions should give Maresca flexibility, but consistency will ultimately determine how important he becomes to the side.
A chance to compete for major trophies
Ndiaye's comments also reveal what he expects from the move.
He did not join City simply for a change of scenery or a bigger stage.
His stated ambition is to win.
That mentality fits the demands of a club where success is measured heavily by trophies.
City have also undergone significant changes this summer following Pep Guardiola's departure, with Maresca now overseeing a major squad rebuild.
For Ndiaye, that creates both an opportunity and a challenge.
He has arrived at a club investing heavily in a new project, meaning there is room for new players to establish themselves.
His debut against Coventry was only the first step, but his comments suggest he already understands what will be expected of him.
If Ndiaye can translate his creativity, dribbling, and attacking versatility into consistent performances, he could become an important part of Maresca's Manchester City.
For now, the message from the new signing is simple... he came to Manchester to compete, and he expects trophies to be the reward.