Sadio Mane has made the stunning admission that he came ‘really’ close to joining Manchester United in 2016 before ultimately deciding on a move to Liverpool.
The Senegal international is currently preparing for the Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid on Saturday – where talkSPORT will bring you LIVE commentary from the Spanish capital.
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Mane says he was close to joining Manchester United
Mane, who was in his second season with Southampton at the time, was a transfer target for United boss Louis van Gaal and even held talks with the Dutchman, before being persuaded to turn them down by Jurgen Klopp in favour of a £34million move to Liverpool.
“Yes, I was really, really close because I even met up with them. So I was coming, I was there and I spoke with the boss who was there before,” Mane told the Mirror.
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“They made an offer, but in the same week, Klopp called me. He said: “I think it’s the right club. The right coach for me, and I think it’s better that I go to Liverpool.”
“For me I think it was the right time as well. I said, “I am going to Liverpool.”
Mane, who has been in excellent goal-scoring form for Liverpool this season, saw his efforts rewarded, as he and team-mate, Mohamed Salah, won the Golden Boot in a three-way tie with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who all finished with 22 goals Premier League goals.
That form has alerted Real Madrid and manager Zinedine Zidane, whose squad is set for a revamp this summer, having ended the season trophyless, but Mane, despite admitting it was a ‘pleasure’ said he was happy at Liverpool.
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Mane says Klopp helped convince him to move to Liverpool
“This is always part of football so we have to deal with it but for me the most important thing is Liverpool and I’m happy here,” he said
“I’m preparing for one of the biggest games for the club and the fans and the players as well, so let’s focus on this one first and win it.
“It’s always a pleasure that this kind of team wants you but don’t forget Liverpool. We beat big teams.”
You can listen to Tottenham vs Liverpool in the Champions League final LIVE on talkSPORT from 8pm on Saturday, June 1.
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