Bayern complete signing of Senegal star Mane from Liverpool

BERLIN: Bayern Munich confirmed the signing of Sadio Mane from Liverpool on Wednesday, as the Senegal forward signed a three-year deal with the Bundesliga champions. Bayern have reportedly paid a fee which could rise to 41 million euros ($43 million) for Mane. The 30-year-old won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup titles during six years on Merseyside.

“My agent told me that there were also enquiries from other clubs, but for me, the feeling was right from the start when Bayern presented their plan with me,” Mane told German daily Bild. “It was the right club at the right time. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and the team are always fighting for all the titles.” Mane added he wants to “do everything to make sure I win titles with my teammates.” Bayern won a 10th straight Bundesliga title last season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to the departing Mane. “One of Liverpool’s greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is,” said Klopp. “The goals he scored, the trophies he won; a legend, for sure, but also a modern-day Liverpool icon.” Mane, voted African footballer of the year in 2019, is a versatile attacker who has spent the majority of his career on the wing but can also play through the middle.

His arrival will ease the pain for Bayern if wantaway striker Robert Lewandowski leaves the club, while Serge Gnabry is also stalling over a contract extension. “Sadio Mane is a global star, who underlines the appeal of Bayern and will increase the attractiveness of the Bundesliga as a whole,” said Bayern president Herbert Hainer. “Fans come to the stadiums to see unique players like this.” The signing of Mane takes some