MUNICH TEAR FESTIVAL

Mane: I sent a text to say goodbye to everybody at Liverpool. They were sad... as I was... but it’s part of life. We just have to accept it

THERE is no glancing back for Sadio Mane – but the striker will look forward to a swift reunion with Liverpool.

The Senegal superstar, now recognised as one of the all-time Anfield greats after scoring 120 goals in six seasons, admitted saying goodbye to his Kop team-mates was one of the hardest things he has ever done.

Speaking about his decision to leave the Reds (above), he revealed the emotional farewell he had with his team-mates, boss Jurgen Klopp and the coaching staff.

“After both clubs agreed the transfer, I sent a long text to say goodbye to everybody. They were sad, as I was, but it is part of life. We just have to accept it,” Mane said.

“It is strange, really, really strange to no longer be a Liverpool player after six years spent at Anfield.

“I had a great time – an unbelievable time. It is not anything else, it is just a challenge because for me I want to always be challenging myself to get better and better.”

Bayern Munich’s new £35.1million buy explained that one of his biggest ambitions is to return again to the Champions League final, after reaching it three times with Liverpool, and quite possibly a reunion with the Merseysiders.

He added: “You know the Champions League and how the draw always goes on, it can happen for sure.”

Mane, 30, vowed to check for Liverpool’s result after every game and even suggested he has kept a house in the English city, to allow him to return to watch matches. For now, he can merely reflect on a successful time at the famous club and a connection with the fans as a true legend, that saw him write so many chapters in the club’s history.

The greatest one for him?

“It’s good but not a difficult question, I will go first of all for 2019 when we beat Barcelona at home. For me, so far that is the best, best moment, or the moment

‘It’s really strange to no longer be a Liverpool player after six years’

The best moment for me was when we beat Barcelona at home in 2019’

that will stay forever in my head, for sure.”

When he joined Liverpool back in 2016, Mane also had the chance to join Manchester United but was persuaded by the charisma and vision of Klopp. It was a decision that paid off spectacularly.

Mane said: “From the first day I spoke to the boss when I came to Liverpool – and at that time we were not even in the Champions League – he called me and I said, ‘For sure’.

“I was 24 and have developed as a person a lot and as a footballer. Now I can say we won a lot and I spent an unbelievable time at Liverpool.

“When I was a kid that was my dream, to win everything possible – trophies and individual trophies. Of course, for me it was the right time and the right club.

“Now I can say, ‘Yeah, I achieved something’, which is very, very incredible for me and I will be always grateful to this amazing club. I will never forget it.”