SAD TO SEE SUCH A MANE OF DIGNITY GO
Writing about Sadio Mane has left me with a little moisture around the eye – i even tweeted a crying emoji
when his departure was officially announced.
i’d go as far as to say i always preferred him to Mo Salah, though not because i think he’s so much better or anything like that.
it’s just that he’s my favourite player of this Liverpool generation.
And, like when you’re a kid, you have your favourites. that is so refreshing because it makes me realise this Jurgen Klopp team brings that excitement to even old ex-pros like me!
i’m not jumping on the Mane bandwagon now, i’ve always championed his importance. He’s a terrific person, too, a genuine, quiet, polite person, who is just, well, decent.
i don’t think the wider football public know he’s built a hospital back home in Senegal and a school. A bit different from the old image of footballers, eh?! i like everything he stands for in his game, and within the game of football.
His energy, his work rate, his desire, his skill and technique. it’s sad to see a player like that go. i know Liverpool fans are devastated, but they still give him their support and blessing in his departure – and that is because he has left in the right way.
Players such as Fernando torres and Luis Suarez were idolised like Mane, but they ruined their legacy at Anfield because they went about leaving in the wrong way – in a shocking way.
Mane never downed tools or played games with other clubs making daft bids, he did his job, was probably the best player in a Quadruple-chasing season. And then left with dignity.
it’s sad, but it is one of the certainties of football. Stars go, but teams endure and the heartbeat of football clubs – the fans – always keeps going passionately.