Sadio Mane has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Manchester United before completing his move to Liverpool earlier this summer.
According to the Echo, Mane says United approached him at the start of the transfer window – but the Senegalese international wanted to work with Jurgen Klopp and therefore rejected their advances.
“Yes, [United’s approach] was true,” said Mane.
“There was interest from a lot of clubs, not just Manchester United, but as soon as I knew Liverpool were interested I just felt it was the right club with the right coach. It was right for me to come here.”
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It’s thought United also tried to sign Mane back in January, but were told to wait until the summer (Mirror).
“Liverpool are a massive club with a big history that has won many trophies over the years and as soon as I was told of the possibility to come here and I knew the manager wanted me I said yes,” continued Sadio.
“It was the right move. I recognise the size of the club and to progress to another level as a player this was the club and the moment for me. It was a step I needed to make.”
The striker will presumably pay some part in Wednesday’s friendly with Chelsea, but Klopp has not yet revealed his side.
The Echo claim he’s looked “razor sharp” in training in the States as he looks to impress fans and prove that his hefty price tag – the third-highest in our history – was money well spent.
Kickoff in our first International Champions Cup game is on Wednesday night / Thursday morning at 4am UK time.