Mane Opens Up on How His Ex Liverpool Teammates Tried to Prevent His Move to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

• Sadio Mane has opened up on how he rejected his former Liverpool teammates to join Al-Nassr
• The decision seems to have been a wise one thus far, as Mane's Al-Nassr reached the final of the Arab Cup
• He could potentially secure his inaugural trophy with the club this Saturday

Sadio Mane has revealed that his former Liverpool teammates, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho, made attempts to persuade him to join them at their respective clubs before he made the move to Al-Nassr.

Mane opted for a change of scenery after a less-than-ideal season with Bayern Munich, choosing to join the ranks of prominent players relocating from top European leagues to Saudi Arabia.

Upon reaching an amicable agreement to part ways with Bayern, the 31-year-old was presented with a plethora of options from various clubs eager to secure his service.

Ronaldo ends goal-scoring drought in style, scores powerful header in Al-Nassr win

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Despite the tempting offers, the two-time African Player of the Year eventually teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, Sky Sports reports.

He has now shed light on the intriguing details of how his former Liverpool colleagues attempted to sway his decision and prevent his move to the Riyadh-based club.

Mane, who secured a strong second-place finish behind Karim Benzema in the previous year's Ballon d'Or rankings, disclosed that his former attacking partner, Roberto Firmino, made three separate efforts to entice him to Al Ahli. In a similar vein, midfielder Fabinho expressed a desire for a partnership at Al Ittihad.

Nonetheless, Mane ultimately chose to snub these overtures and align himself with the Riyadh-based giants.

"He [Firmino] called two or three times to convince me to come to Al-Ahli. Fabinho also wanted me to come to Al-Ittihad. But I chose Al-Nassr," he said as quoted by MailSport.

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Interestingly, fate seems to have favoured Mane, as Al Ittihad, led by Fabinho, exited the competition during the quarterfinal stage.

Meanwhile, Firmino's Ahli side is gearing up for the forthcoming Saudi Pro League campaign, setting the stage for an intriguing chapter in their respective footballing journeys.

Mane at Al-Nassr

The Senegal international has proved to be an inspired signing for Luis Castro's men since making his debut for the club against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the Arab Cup.

Since then, he has racked up three appearances, making key contributions in their journey to the Grand Finale.

Mane was responsible for winning the crucial penalty, which was converted by Cristiano Ronaldo, which sent his side to the final.

Arab Cup: Koulibaly warns Mane

Sports Brief also reported that Kalidou Koulibaly is already looking forward to the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup between Al Hilal and Al Nassr on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

With Koulibaly set to meet his Senegalese teammate Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 31-year-old remains unfazed by the attacking talents of Al Nassr.