Sadio Mane: Senegal Star Releases First Statement After Being Ruled Out of Qatar World Cup 2022

• Sadio Mane has appealed to Senegalese fans to rally behind their team as they begin the FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar
• Mane will watch from the sidelines after he was completely ruled out of the tournament with a tendon injury
• The Bayern Munich star has expressed confidence that his teammates will do the nation proud at the Mundial

Sadio Mane has finally broken his silence after being ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar. He suffered a tendon injury while playing for Bayern Munich.

Mane had hoped to make a quick recovery and return for his side Senegal before the completion of the group games, with Head Coach Aliou Cisse even including him in his squad for Qatar.

However, Mane was forced to withdraw after it became crystal clear his injury would require surgery - and thus a longer period to recover.

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It is definitely a big setback for Senegal, who will now participate in the world's biggest football tournament without their star player.

Mane has now rallied fans to get behind Senegal, even in his absence. In a message shared on Instagram, the two-time African player of the year also gave an update on his surgery.

"Many of you have sent messages of support following my injury. Thank God, the surgery I had in the middle of the week went well. I wanna take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation to you all."

Mane shared his belief that the Lions of Teranga would approach each World Cup game as if it were a final, and that every Senegalese would support and encourage the national team from behind their TV screens.

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"I am convinced that my teammates will fight as one man and as they are used to doing, in order to honor our dear Senegal."

Senegal face the Netherlands, Ecuador and Qatar in Group A.

Morocco fans wish Mane well

Sports Brief has also reported that a Senegalese fan in Qatar had a moment to remember, after he ran into a group of Morocco fans on the streets.

The Morocco fans were in a happy mood, as they wait for their nation to kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, November 23.

As soon as the fans saw a man in a Senegalese jersey, they hoisted him up in the air and chanted Sadio Mane's name, in what makes for a beautiful watch.