Sadio Mane has opened up about the real reasons behind his departure from Liverpool during the summer of 2022. The Senegalese international had 12 months remaining on his Anfield contract when he chose to pursue a new challenge after six years with the club.
The striker sealed a move to Bayern Munich in a transfer valued at around $46 million (£35 million), although the complete package of add-ons was never triggered, with his spell in Bavaria lasting just one campaign.
The 33-year-old claimed every major trophy during his Liverpool career, cementing his status as a club icon while contributing 120 goals and 38 assists across 269 matches.
There had been persistent speculation suggesting tension between him and Liverpool colleague Mohamed Salah, with the club subsequently making the Egyptian their highest-earning player ever by securing him on fresh terms that same summer Mane departed.
The Senegal star dismissed rumors of any rift with Salah during an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. During the same conversation, he revealed his genuine motivation for leaving Liverpool, acknowledging that after six trophy-filled years at Anfield, he felt the need to step outside his comfort zone.
"I think I've been in Liverpool six, almost seven years," he said. "Six years, so, you know, I come from far and all my life has been a challenge.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is interviewed by Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is interviewed by Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast (Image: The Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast)
"And of course when I came to Liverpool, Liverpool wasn't even in the Champions League, you know how it is. And I came with all the other players, coaches, staff, and we made this team big. We won almost everything.
"Liverpool was like home. It was my comfort zone. Let's try to try something (else) because I have almost won everything here. So my challenge is not because... of course some things can happen or blah blah, but for me that was not really important.
"The motivation for me to go somewhere, okay to see... to leave my comfort zone and to do something else in the other part. So that was my reason why I say, 'OK let's try. Why not?'".
Mane revealed he'd briefly weighed up joining another Premier League club, but recognizing that few destinations could match Liverpool's standing, he ultimately chose to make the move to Bayern Munich instead.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane pose with the trophy following their sides victory in a penalty shootout during The FA Cup Final in 2022
Mohamed Salah and former Liverpool star Sadio Mane (Image: Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
"It was maybe we think about a few clubs in the Premier League but performing better than Liverpool, so maybe we go out (of the Premier League)," he explained. "And then Bayern was there, and was really really pushing.
"Pushing, pushing, pushing so I say, 'OK let's try there.' You know in life, always, if you go elsewhere, you will always have something which you learn."
Mane's stint at Bayern would prove short-lived, lasting just one season before he departed for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr following a loss of favor in Germany.
The forward confessed that his stint at Bayern Munich was a pivotal factor in his decision to play in Saudi Arabia. Despite having options to remain in Europe, he shed light on why he ultimately opted for Al-Nassr.
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"I think without going to Bayern Munich, maybe I would not be here," he admitted. "I was in Bayern and that was the time Saudi was trying to bring in new players in their league.
"They want to... they actually have a project to bring the best players in the league. My agent called me and he said, 'Listen, we have offers from Saudis and Europe also'.
"I say, 'OK, let's see which is the best and which is interesting. If you think Saudi or other club, yeah, no problem'.
"Just sit with my advisor, my agent, my family. We'll sit at the table and when Saudis come, Al-Nassr offer, 'We want to make the biggest and strongest league in the world. We'll bring many players and we want to host World Cups'.
"They tell all the stories and they wanted me to part of it. And I say, 'Wow, this is good and interesting!' So we sit at the table and then I come here."