Liverpool's Sadio Mane drops outrageous first touch in return to training after AFCON win

Sadio Mane has returned to Liverpool after the biggest triumph of his professional career.

While the Reds winger is no strange to success having won the Premier League and Champions League, even the man himself would admit that securing the Africa Cup of Nations trophy tops everything else.

Despite having missed a penalty in regulation time against Egypt in the final, Mane scored the winning spot-kick in the subsequent shootout to ensure that Senegal conquered Africa for the very first time.

Speaking to a group of journalists, including Juliet Bawuah, in the mixed zone after Senegal’s famous victory, Mane said: “It’s not only the most important trophy, it’s the most important day of my life.

“The best day of my life! So far, the best trophy of my life and I can’t express my feelings today – I’m very happy and proud.”

However, football being football, there’s very little time for the players to catch their breath and Mane has already returned to Melwood to help Liverpool end their 2021/22 season on a strong note.

The Premier League win over Leicester City came a little too soon for the 29-year-old despite fellow finalist Mohamed Salah making his return, but he has nevertheless resumed training at the club.

And it’s clear to see that Mane is still riding the wave of his AFCON glory because one particular clip of the Premier League star on his return to training has got Kopites rubbing their hands together.

A brilliant eight-second video has hoovered up tweets and ‘likes’ for not only showing Mane score a fine top-corner finish, but providing a scintillating first touch that – frankly – we need an explanation for.

In what us mere mortals can only describe as a fake-shot-cum-flying-turn, Mane managed to kill the ball dead