Sadio Mane sat down with Liverpool's media team for one last time from his home in Mallorca – and fans are devastated that he's leaving.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that the 30-year-old winger, who scored 120 goals in 269 appearances for Liverpool after signing from Southampton in 2016, has penned a three-year deal with Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
Julian Nagelsmann's side will pay an initial £27.5 million for the Senegal international with £7.5 million in add-ons.
It has been a trophy-laden spell in Liverpool for Mane, who has lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and FA Cup, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and Carabao Cup.
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But after six years with the Merseyside club, he has decided to find a challenge elsewhere. "I'm very happy to finally be with FC Bayern in Munich," he said on his arrival.
"We had a lot of talks and I felt the great interest of this big club from the start. So there was no doubt in my mind right from the start: This is the right time for this challenge. I want to achieve a lot with this club, also internationally."
In the days leading up to Mane signing on the dotted line for Bayern, the 30-year-old spoke of his eternal love for all things Liverpool – the club and its supporters, as well as the city.
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He also spoke about his development under Jurgen Klopp, his decision to leave the club achieving his dream.
When asked if it feels "a little strange" to no longer be a Liverpool player, Mane said: "Yeah, for sure, for sure. Obviously it is strange – really, really strange – to no longer be a Liverpool player after six years spent at Anfield.
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"But of course I had a great time, an unbelievable time, and since my first day I really, really enjoyed training, playing, at Anfield especially and in front of these amazing supporters. Now it’s come to the end, so what can you say?"
Mane went on to explain why he felt it was the right time to move on and find a new challenge.
"There was a lot, a lot, of speculation but I’m not a confused boy in my head," he said.
"Obviously I know what I want and I know what is professional so for me, I was not even thinking about it because I was still a Liverpool player and we had really, really important games. For me that time was so, so important for myself and the team and the boys, and the supporters as well, and that is why I was really, really focused on that.
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"I did not want [to make] any comments about it because winning the Champions League and the Premier League, that would have been fantastic for myself, for the club and for everybody. So that is why I was not even talking about or commentating about the speculation because it is part of football, it will always stay [this way]. It is normal."
The Senegalese forward also spoke about his love for the Liverpool fans.
"I think whoever is leaving Liverpool, with those supporters you will always miss them because so far [they are] the best in the world and I have always said it. Especially when [they sing] my name, ‘Mane! Running down the wing…!’ – I don’t know, I can’t sing very well!
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"Of course I really enjoyed the time and they, wow… how can I say it? Playing at Anfield I think always gives you so much power because of the fans. So, for sure I am going to miss you guys but anyway, I love you guys.
"I still have my house in Liverpool and everything so for sure I will come back, of course, and I would love one day to come back to Anfield to say hi to them and of course to watch Liverpool playing because for me, I am going to be Liverpool’s No.1 fan – after the supporters."
You can read the full transcript of Sadio Mane's farewell interview on Liverpool's official website here.
Featured Image Credit: Liverpool Football Club/TwitterTopics: Sadio Mane, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Senegal, Transfers
