New Al Nassr star Sadio Mane revealed he was encouraged to join the Saudi Pro League by former Liverpool teammates – but, most importantly, by his mum.
As the new season kicks off this weekend, the former Anfield striker, who joined Al Nassr from Bayern Munich, spoke for the first time of the reasons behind his move to Saudi Arabia.
The Senegal striker enjoyed a warm embrace with old Anfield teammate Jordan Henderson at the official Saudi Pro League launch event in Jeddah, and he admits the former Liverpool skipper is just one past colleague 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,” he said. “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 against you guys!”
Mane may have had words of encouragement from his former teammates, but it was some sound advice from his mother that sealed the deal.
Mané is ready for tomorrow
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