Former Teammates Rally to Convince Sadio Mane to Turn Down Al Nassr Transfer Bid
Sadio Mane has unveiled a unique twist to his recent move to Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr, revealing that two of his former Liverpool teammates passionately advised him to turn down the transfer opportunity.
In a surprising turn of events last summer, Mane bid farewell to his illustrious six-season tenure with Liverpool, opting to don the colors of German Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Nonetheless, his time in Bavaria was marked by underwhelming performances, leaving a bittersweet taste for the Senegalese star.
In a significant development earlier this month, Mane inked his allegiance with Al Nassr, aligning his football journey with none other than the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 31-year-old forward has now offered insight into the conversations that played a pivotal role in his decision-making process.
Speaking exclusively to The National, Mane shared, “I had conversations with Firmino first and foremost. It seems he was trying to persuade me to join the ‘wrong’ club – but all in good spirits, of course! He persistently reached out, making two or three attempts to convince me to consider Al Ahli.”
“Simultaneously, Fabinho was in touch. Our bond was close, and he had his heart set on me joining Al Ittihad. However, when Al Nassr entered the picture, I made my choice in favor of Al Nassr.”
Mane humorously continued, “And then there’s Henderson. Just a couple of days ago, he sent a message wishing me luck. I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet these remarkable individuals face to face – the first encounter is bound to be a thrilling one. I look forward to outshining you all!”
Delving further into his rationale for opting for a Saudi Arabian adventure over European football, Mane articulated his thought process.
He elaborated, “When the prospect presented itself, I engaged in heartfelt discussions with my family. Their response was overwhelmingly positive, particularly due to the religious and cultural alignment with a Muslim nation.”
“My mother, in particular, was an ardent supporter of the idea. Sharing my faith, she was the one who wholeheartedly endorsed the move, and our entire family resonated with enthusiasm for this new chapter. The decision was effortlessly made.”
Mane underscored the spiritual dimension of his choice, stating, “This decision holds profound significance in relation to my faith. I am honored to contribute to this project’s advancement, propelling it towards a promising future. Our trajectory is one of bright prospects and collective growth.”