Jurgen Klopp has spoken out on Sadio Mane's departure following the forward's announcement as a Bayern Munich player yesterday.
The Senegalese international joined the Bundesliga champions in an initial €27m deal, rising to €41m with add-ons. A similar fee to which he joined the Reds from Southampton in 2016.
Mane is often credited as being the catalyst of Klopp’s reign at Anfield, having been the first major signing of his era at Anfield.
In his first campaign he bagged 13 goals in 27 league fixtures, with his departure to the African Cup of Nations derailing a potential title challenge from Liverpool who were second at Christmas.
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A memorable debut goal at the Emirates and a last-minute winner at Goodison Park are some of many great memories for Mane that season.
The Reds reached the Champions League final in the subsequent two campaigns, with Mane contributing heavily in the knockout rounds in particular.
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Mane's hattrick at Porto in Liverpool’s famous luminous orange kit in 2017/18 was pivotal, and a leading role in the 4-0 comeback over Barcelona the following season scripted him into Liverpool folklore.
In Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign he bagged 18 goals, as well as scoring twice in the Reds’ penalty win over Chelsea in the European Super Cup.
He dipped in form in 2020/21 despite some memorable moments, and he began his last season in Liverpool in the same fashion - but a rejuvenation came in his move to the middle of the front three from the left.
He finished the campaign with 23 goals in all competitions, his second best return in a Red shirt, including goals in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals.
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When asked to sum up his former winger’s impact in three words, Klopp struggled to contain it to just that.
“World-class player! True club legend! Ideal role model! The perfect teammate! Compassionate, caring person!
But the 3 words that feel the most appropriate today are also the hardest to say, ‘Will miss you!’”
He joins up with his Bayern teammates ahead of the 2022/23 season, being pictured with manager Julian Nagelsmann yesterday.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Sadio Mane, Liverpool
Chris Stonadge