Sadio Mane has revealed that two of his former teammates told him to reject a move to Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr.
Last summer, Mane ended his six trophy-laden stay with Liverpool to join German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
However, the Senegalese’s time in Bavaria was one to forget as he failed to produce his best football.
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Earlier in the month, it was confirmed that Mane has joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo by signing for Al Nassr.
The 31-year-old has now revealed that his former Liverpool teammates asked him to snub Al Nassr.
Speaking to The National, Mane said: “I think first of all I spoke with Firmino for sure. 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.
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“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.”
Mane added: “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!”
The Senegal captain went on to explain why he decided to ditch European football for Saudi Arabia.
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He said: “Since I had the opportunity I spoke to my family, and they were happiest of course because it is a Muslim country.
“My mum especially encouraged me to go. My mum is Muslim like me, she was the first to vote for me to go there and my whole family was excited for me to come here so it was not hard.
“It is important to my faith. I am pleased to be part of this project and to make it go forward, we have a bright future ahead.”
Topics: Sadio Mane, Liverpool, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Football
Marcus Chan