Sadio Mane Reveals That He Almost Signed for Liverpool’s Bitter Rivals in 2016

• Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has explained that he almost joined their bitter rivals Manchester United in 2016 but a call from Jurgen Klopp convinced him otherwise
• Mane revealed that he had agreed verbally with The red Devils as he looked to go a step up after shining at Southampton
• Klopp convinced him that he will be part of the big project that he is building at Liverpool. They have since won four cups in Klopp’s tenure at Anfield

Sadio Mane has revealed that he almost joined Manchester United in 2016. Mane was at that time at Southampton and had already agreed on terms with Manchester United.

But a last-minute phone call from Jurgen Klopp made Mane change his mind and sign for Liverpool instead. The winger has gone on to establish himself as one of the key plays in Klopp’s team.

Speaking to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher for the Telegraph, Mane explained that he had set his eyes on going to Old Trafford after agreeing verbally on terms.

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I have to say that I was really close to going to Manchester United, I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready but instead, I thought, no I want to go to Liverpool. I still remember the first time I got a call from Klopp.

Mane explains that Klopp had wanted to sign him for Borussia Dortmund but failed. He accepted Klopp’s apologies and together they agreed to focus on the future.

Liverpool would later make Mane their then third-most expensive signing after paying The Saints a fee of 34 million euros. The Senegalese star has won the Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time at Liverpool.

He will be looking to add more silverware to his impressive collection when his side face Real Madrid in this season’s Champions League final. Mane is also yet to decide on his future will only one year remaining in his current deal.

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Sadio Mane believes that Africans are disadvantaged in the Ballon d'Or race

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Sadio Mane had claimed that African players are often overlooked in the Ballon d’Or award.

The Liverpool forward believes that players of African descent are disadvantaged when it comes to the awarding of the top individual honour in football. Mane is one of the leading contenders for this year’s award.

He will be competing against his teammate Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who have similarly had stunning seasons.