Former Liverpool sensation, Sadio Mane, has embarked on a remarkable journey. Signing a $44 million-a-year contract to transfer to the Saudi Pro League club, Al-Nassr, from Bayern Munich. This move marks a significant turning point in his career. Introducing him to a new league and new teammates, including the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, what has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike is the Liverpool star’s candid admission. He admitted that his ex-teammates attempted to sway his decision and tried to convince him to join their respective clubs instead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

Sadio Mane’s move to Al-Nassr and his ex-teammates’ persuasion

The Senegalese soccer star recently made his first appearance for Al-Nassr with Cristiano Ronaldo against Raja CA in the quarter-finals of the Arab Club Champions Cup. In his debut match, he showcased his commitment and eagerness to excel in this new chapter of his career. Interestingly, Mane isn’t the only former Liverpool player to venture into the Saudi League. His former Liverpool teammates Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson have also made this leap, albeit to different clubs.

However, what stands out is Mane’s revelation regarding the persuasion tactics employed by his former Liverpool teammates, Firmino and Fabinho. In an interview, Mane disclosed, “I spoke with (Roberto) Firmino for sure. He wanted me to come to the wrong club! I’m joking! He called me two or three times to convince me to come to Al Ahli because I had contact with them from the beginning.”

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Mane additionally recounted his conversations with Fabinho, revealing, “I spoke with Fabinho at the same time because he was quite close to me and he also wanted me to come to Al Ittihad, but when Al Nassr came during this time, I chose Al Nassr.”

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Sadio Mane didn’t solely join Al-Nassr due to the friendly discussion with Firmino and Fabinho. After a less-than-satisfying spell at Bayern Munich, Mane sought a fresh start, and his family supported his decision to join the Saudi Pro League.

Family and faith: Mane’s personal reasons for joining Saudi League

Mane also attributed his decision to join Al-Nassr to the support and encouragement of his family, particularly his mother. He emphasized, “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.”

Sadio Mane’s move to Al-Nassr is just one instance of a more significant trend. European football stars embracing new challenges in the Saudi Pro League. Not only have former Liverpool teammates joined different clubs in Saudi Pro League. But football legends such as Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler have also taken up managerial roles in Saudi clubs. Further bolstering the league’s reputation and appeal.

As European talents continue to be drawn to Saudi Arabian clubs, the soccer landscape is undergoing a fascinating transformation. It will be interesting to see how the soccer world welcomes this change.

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