Pape Gueye reveals the story behind his move to Villarreal

The Senegalese player revealed that it was thanks to Marcelino that he left Marseille for Spain.

It was a promise made by Marcelino when he stepped down as head coach at Marseille in 2023. The Spanish tactician had assured Pape Gueye that he would come and get him as soon as he found a new club. And Marcelino never forgot his promise. He kept it a few months later after taking the reins at Villarreal. The Spanish club offered Pape Gueye a project he considered ideal for his development.

I remember that as he was leaving, Marcelino said to me: ‘As soon as I take charge of a club, I’ll definitely give you a call.’ The story unfolded a few months later; Villarreal offered me a clear plan: to help me grow with the team. At Marseille, there were lots of stars. At Villarreal, it was the first time I was going to be at the forefront of the action.