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‘I Am Now Liverpool’s No. 1 fan’—Sadio Mane in Emotional farewell
Sadio Mane leaves Liverpool officially.
It is a tough one to take for the Liverpool fans as star player, Sadio Mane finally confirms exit after granting Liverpool a farewell interview.
The Senegalese forward welcomed the club to his home in Mallorca where he bid the club, the team and officially the fans an emotional farewell after completing the move to Bayern.
The news had been up for speculation for weeks if not months but finally, the AFCON Champion airs his views, one he is appreciative of, to the club and its supporters.
‘I am now Liverpool’s No.1 fan’, he says on recounting his time with the Reds.
The move to the Allianz Arena was confirmed on Wednesday as Mane sees out a glittering six-year spell on Merseyside, leaving as a bona-fide club legend.
His signing from Southampton in 2016 proved a transformative one as he propelled the club to Champions League qualification and became a cornerstone of the glorious years that followed.
Sadio Mane saw to the victory of six major trophies during his stay – the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA Super Cup, along with inspiring Senegal to their very first Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier in 2022.
His personal accolades while at Anfield were the African Footballer of the Year and Premier League Golden Boot awards, with a record of 120 goals in 269 appearances for Liverpool placing him 14th in the club’s all-time leading scorers list.
Speaking of how strange it will now feel no longer being considered a Liverpool player, the forward remarked:
“Obviously it is strange – really, really strange – to no longer be a Liverpool player after six years spent at Anfield.”
“But of course I had a great time, an unbelievable time, and since my first day I really, really enjoyed training, playing, at Anfield especially and in front of these amazing supporters. Now it’s come to the end, so what can you say?”
Reminiscing on his fond memories with Liverpool, the forward marked the Barcelona game at Anfield as one he would keep in his memories, saying:
“I will go first of all for 2019 when we beat Barcelona at home, that was incredible, and as well when we won the Champions League. For me, so far that is the best, best moment, or the moment that will stay forever in my head, for sure.”
Mane also talked about his relationship with Jurgen Klopp, recalling the very moment the manager reached out to him back when he was at Southampton.
“I think since day one [when] I spoke with him to join Liverpool FC I think we had a really, really, really good relationship and [he is] a great manager.” He said.
“He has heart and also like I said now, he dedicated himself [and that] makes him so special. Of course, he helped me a lot to become the player I am, and the staff and all the boys, the players. And myself, like I always said, I never stopped working hard as well.”
He also had the privilege to talk about Anfield, leaving the club and its supporters, remarking;
“For sure, I think whoever is leaving Liverpool, with those supporters you will always miss them because so far [they are] the best in the world and I have always said it.
“Especially when [they sing] my name, ‘Mane! Running down the wing…!’ – I don’t know, I can’t sing very well! Of course I really enjoyed the time and they, wow… how can I say it?
“Playing at Anfield I think always gives you so much power because of the fans. So, for sure I am going to miss you guys but anyway, I love you guys.
“I still have my house in Liverpool and everything so for sure I will come back, of course, and I would love one day to come back to Anfield to say hi to them and of course to watch Liverpool playing because for me, I am going to be Liverpool’s No.1 fan – after the supporters!” he revealed.
Of course, that he was leaving Anfield doesn’t mean he will stop following the guys or checking out their results, as Mane revealed:
“After every one of my games in Munich I will come to the dressing room and I will watch Liverpool, for sure, because I am going to be Liverpool’s No.1 fan forever.”
Mane is never one to rule out coming to Anfield again as an opposition player, especially in the Champions League. It is one he considers looking out for as he laughed.
“You know the Champions League and how the draw always goes on, it can happen for sure and if it happens it happens.
“It is football and of course I have to come and I have to play. But like I said, Liverpool is Liverpool and we will see. We will see what is going to happen.”
Sadio ‘the main’ Mane leaves Liverpool a Legend.
