Mane wanted to sign a 'death contract' to play after head injury

Sadio Mane has revealed he wanted to sign a contract to take responsibility if he died, due to his determination to play for Senegal after suffering a concussion at the African Cup of Nations.

During Senegal's Round of 16 clash with Cape Verde, Mane collided with opposition keeper Vozinha who rushed out to chase a 50-50 ball, which eventually led to the former Liverpool star being substituted.

Despite Liverpool's pressure on ensuring their player got five days rest after the match, Mane said he could 'give up his life' to ensure he was available for their quarter-final match.

He has told Pro Direct Soccer France: 'When I got injured against Cape Verde and I had concussion, I never talked about it that day. 

'Liverpool put pressure on the federation and wrote a letter to Fifa that I needed at least five days rest so that meant I was to miss the quarter-finals.   

'Our national team doctor also had to follow those rules. When they told me that, I called the coach and told him "The doctor does not want me to play but you have to put me in the starting 11". 

'I called the federation president and told him we need to have a meeting because I have to play. I could give up my life.'

Mane said he wanted to sign a contract to make sure it was no one's fault if he died for playing after his concussion against Cape Verde.

Eventually though the team's doctor cleared him to compete in the quarter-final victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Mane added: 'I said "I know I shouldn’t play but let us have a contract. It will be my responsibility, I will sign". 

'If I die, they have to say it is my fault. No one’s fault. But they said "Sadio, you cannot play" but I said "no, no, it is out of the question". 

'It was around 1am or 2am, everyone