Sadio Mane could only apologise to his former side Southampton after he led Liverpool to victory on the South Coast.
Mane followed a superb individual effort with an assist for Roberto Firmino in a man-of-the-match performance.
It was the forward’s first goal against the Saints since he made the move to Anfield in 2016.
And as one of the nicest men in the game, he inevitably showed plenty of respect to his old employers
“I’m sorry it is against my old team and sorry I have to score but I’m wearing a Liverpool shirt now,” he said, as quoted by NBC Sports.
“Southampton was a very good step for me, I have big respect for this club. It is an amazing place. I learned a lot here and they are very nice people.
“But it is part of football and you have to deal with it.”
Mane says Liverpool knew they would likely have to grind out a victory after exerting themselves to such a great extent in midweek.
He reckons that his goal was important in the Reds regaining their rhythm after the home side had edged the first half.
“What a game, it was not an easy game but you have to expect a tough game like this at this stage of the season,” he said.
“After playing 120 minutes on Wednesday it was not easy and we know it would be difficult.
“It was not easy and it took us a little bit of time to get going.
“But we got the three points and I think we deserved it. Once we scored the first goal it was easier for us.”
Mane was humble as ever after the match, but he’ll be buzzing with his peerless 2019 form.
He has more Premier League goals than anybody else this year, and has been more devastating in front of goal than ever.
A first 30-goal season is well within reach.