Sadio Mane has stated that former Liverpool teammates Roberto Firmino and Fabinho influenced his decision to transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Mane has joined Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr after a poor spell at Bayern Munich, where he scored just seven goals in all competitions after being recruited from Liverpool for £35 million when Robert Lewandowski left for Barcelona.
The 31-year-old is one of several former Liverpool players to have joined a Saudi club this summer, with Firmino joining Al Ahli, Fabinho joining Al Ittihad for £40 million, and Jordan Henderson joining Al Ettifaq.
Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler, both Liverpool superstars, have taken on managerial posts in the Gulf State. And Mane has stated that both Firmino and Fabinho approached him about joining their respective new teams before deciding to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
“I think I spoke with Firmino first and foremost,” he told The National. “I believe he wanted me to go to the wrong club – I’m kidding!” He always called twice or three times to persuade me to visit Al Ahli.
“At the same time, I spoke with Fabinho because he was very close to me, and he also wanted me to come to Al Ittihad, but when Al Nassr arrived, I chose Al Nassr.”
“Of course, Henderson is here as well, and he sent me a message two days ago to wish me luck, and I’m excited to meet all of these great guys for the first time.” “I’m going to beat you guys!”
Mane also stated that his mother was instrumental in his decision to join Al Nassr and that his “entire family was excited for me to come here.” “Since I had the opportunity, I spoke to my family, and they were the happiest, of course, because it is a Muslim country,” he added.
“My mother, in particular, encouraged me to go.” My mother, who is Muslim, was the first to vote for me to go there, and my entire family was eager for me to come here, so it was not difficult – it is vital to my faith. I am excited to be a part of this initiative and to see it succeed; we have a bright future ahead of us.”
