Klopp reveals how Mane wanted out

Munich's Sadio Mane

Thursday Jul 28, 2022. 10:47

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed how Sadio Mane’s transfer to Bayern Munich came about and mentioned that he has the utmost respect for the Senegalese star.

Off the back of a stellar campaign with the Reds, Mane recently walked away with the CAF Men’s player of the year award, claiming the accolade ahead of former teammate Mohamed Salah and Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.

Now on the books of Bayern Munich after making the £35 million switch to the German giants, Klopp spoke about how the deal came to be, while also mentioning that the attacker could play until the age of 39.

“Sadio told me and his agent told me that he was looking for a new challenge,” Klopp told Viaplay Football.

“And if that happens early enough, like it was in this case, and if that happens in the right way and the player and the agent are working, and the new club where they want to go is ready for negotiations, then it should be like it was now.

“Then you say ’thank you’ with the biggest respect ever, I couldn’t have more respect for Sadio, what a player he is and I wish him the best.

“And he will play for ages, he can play until 38 or 39 with his body, it’s absolutely crazy.

“Bayern have got a really good player but we had him for six years, so that’s fine.”