Prior to his transfer from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, Sadio Mane had made his ambitions clear. The Senegalese informed Jurgen Klopp and the Reds a year in advance of his wish to depart the club.

Sadio Mane, the latest addition at Bayern Munich, has admitted that he decided to leave last year because he needed a new challenge.

This week, five months after converting the deciding penalty against Salah’s Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations final, the Senegal star edged out his former teammate to earn the accolade for African Player of the Year.

Sadio Mane: β€œIt was last year I took my decision to leave because I need a new challenge in my life.

β€œFor me, it was the right time. I spoke with the coach [Jurgen Klopp] one year ago and talked to him about my desire to leave. If you see my story, I came from a small town – my life was always a challenge, so I want to challenge myself all the time.

β€œspent eight years in the Premier League, and of course I spent six wonderful years with Liverpool and I can say we won almost everything possible.

β€œIt was not an easy decision but in life, you have to sometimes take decisions and so far I think it’s the best decision I have taken in my career.”

Mane rose to prominence as one of the top forwards in the world during his time with Liverpool.The 30-year-old gave up his favorite position to be a better team player.


Mane, who led the Reds with 120 goals, remembers his time with the Merseysiders. It was difficult for the Senegalese to leave; he is proud of the six years he spent with the club.

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