Liverpool connections, home comforts key to Mane’s Al-Nassr move

JEDDAH: With the new era of the Roshn Saudi League set to get underway this weekend, new Al-Nassr signing Sadio Mane has admitted that words of encouragement from some legendary names — and an important member of his family — tempted him to join the influx of superstars in Saudi Arabia this season.

The former Liverpool striker signed for Al-Nassr this summer after a season in the Bundesliga with champions Bayern Munich and will team up with former Manchester United rival Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Riyadh giants aim to go one better than their second-place finish to Al-Ittihad last time round.

Mane enjoyed a warm embrace with former Anfield teammate Jordan Henderson at the official Roshn Saudi League launch event in Jeddah, and he admits the former Liverpool skipper is just one old teammate he has a strong connection with ahead of the new season.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard took Henderson under his wing as Al-Ettifaq coach, while Mane’s former strike partner Roberto Firmino will play for Al-Ahli and midfielder Fabinho has signed for champions Al-Ittihad.

Mane joked about how Firmino and Fabinho had both encouraged him to join them at their new clubs. “I think first of all I spoke with Firmino for sure; I think he wanted me to come to the wrong club — I’m joking! He always called two or three times to convince me to come to Al-Ahli.

“At the same time, I spoke with Fabinho because he was quite close to me and he also wanted me to come to Al-Ittihad, but in this time when Al-Nassr came, I chose Al-Nassr. Of course, Henderson is here also, and he sent me a message two days ago to wish me good luck and I’m excited to meet all these great guys and also to meet them face to face for the first time. I’m going to win