Sadio Mane, a Liverpool attacker, indicated on Thursday that he would declare his future intentions until after Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Mane, who joined Liverpool in 2016 and has scored over 120 goals in the Premier League, was reportedly pondering quitting the club in search of a fresh challenge, according to British media.
“This issue, whether I’m staying or not, I’ll respond after the Champions League (final),” Mane, who has one year left on his deal, told Sky Sports.
“What I want to say now is that I am completely focused on winning the Champions League, which is considerably more important to me and the Liverpool supporters.
“That is the response I must provide before to the final. But if you come back to me on Saturday, I will undoubtedly give you the finest response you want. It’s unique. Then I’ll tell you all you want to know.”
The 30-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool for the final, which is a replay of Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory in Kyiv in 2018.
“I will do everything in my power to help Liverpool win this game,” Mane stated.
“I believe we have all forgotten what occurred in 2018. Real Madrid was undoubtedly the superior side at the time and deserved to win, but this will be a different game.”
Mane is one of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or this season after guiding Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations championship and winning the League Cup and FA Cup with Liverpool.
He expressed his joy at the prospect of being the first African to win the award since Liberia’s George Weah in 1995.
When asked whether he believed African players were overlooked in the voting process, Mane said, “I don’t think so.” “It’s true, which is unfortunate.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is the most important prize I’ve ever won. It would be even more wonderful for me if I received a bonus in the form of the Ballon d’Or, and I would be the happiest player on the planet.”
The candidates will be revealed on August 12th, and the winner will be announced on October 17th.