Sadio Mane has now revealed what Cristiano Ronaldo told him ahead of leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich. The winger secured his transfer to the Bundesliga giants last summer.
Der FCB paid the Reds an initial £27.5m to sign Mane, rising to £35m after add-ons. Jurgen Klopp let the 30-year-old leave having entered into the final year of his contract at Anfield. He had spent the prior six years on Merseyside after joining from Southampton for £34m.
Mane will trigger the add-ons of his transfer to Bayern Munich through appearances (£5m) plus individual and team achievements (£2.5m). He has made a productive start to his time in Bavaria, as well. Through his first 24 appearances, the Senegal star has scored 11 goals.
Julian Nagelsmann has now welcomed Mane back to the FCB fold, as well, following three months out with an injury. The winger missed the World Cup after suffering a leg injury in Bayern Munich’s penultimate fixture. But he, finally, returned as a substitute last Sunday.
Mane established himself as a crucial part of Nagelsmann’s plans before the blow. He has enjoyed 11 goals and four assists through 24 appearances across all competitions. His haul includes six goals in 15 Bundesliga matches and three in six Champions League ties so far.
Sadio Mane now reveals Cristiano Ronaldo’s message on leaving Liverpool
Mane had enjoyed a productive period at Liverpool through his six seasons at Anfield, too. He left for Germany following 120 goals and 48 assists through 269 appearances across all competitions. The 92-cap star never scored fewer than 10 goals in a Premier League term.
Liverpool also lifted the 2018/19 Champions League, 2019/20 Premier League, 2021/22 FA Cup and 2021/22 EFL Cup with Mane. He played a crucial role in Klopp’s squad through his endless grit to defend from the front. The Reds have missed his intense pressing this term.
Now, the forward has reflected on his start in the Bundesliga. Mane has also shared what Ronaldo told him during a chance encounter with the Portugal icon after deciding to leave Liverpool and secure his transfer to Bayern Munich during the off-season back in summer.
“You sometimes underestimate the Bundesliga here,” Mane told Bild. “This is also shown by the recent successes in the Champions League.
“I met Ronaldo in Mallorca before the season when my move was already decided. Ronaldo congratulated me on moving to Munich and said: “A great club. That’s a great step for you!”
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