I wanted to leave Liverpool a year earlier–Mane

Sadio Mane leaving Liverpool came very much as a shock to fans and the football world in general.

The move created a lot of online speculations and rumors, with popular opinion centered on his wages.

But according to the star’s recent comments after winning the African Player of the Year, ahead of former teammate, Mohamed Salah, he revealed he had noted the club a year earlier on his intentions to leave.

The move to Bayern Munich which Mane described as “the best decision” he ever made in his career, was engineered by his desire to further challenge himself.

‘This is the best decision I’ve made in my career.” he said

The 30 year old Senegalese signed a 3 year initial contract with the German champions after Liverpool agreed a deal worth £40million to sell the 2021 AFCON winner.

“It was last year I took my decision to leave because I need a new challenge in my life,” Mane said while speaking with BBC Sport Africa.

“For 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.”

On his successful stint in the Premier League, the former Liverpool said:

“I spent 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.”