Sadio Mané was one of the most publicized transfers of the summer when he joined Bayern from Liverpool.
In this interview with UEFA.com, the 30-year-old discusses his arrival at Bayern and the UEFA Champions League, he explains his passion for the European Cup.
Mané on his love for the Champions League and his victory in the competition…
The Champions League is something exceptional. It’s every footballer’s dream. When I was young, I did not watch the championship but only the Champions League. I started watching the Premier League in 2012 but the Champions League since 2006.
Who is Sadio Mané?
Nom : man
First name : Sadio
Date of Birth : 10 avril 1992
Place of birth : Bambali ????????
Cut : 1,75m
Later : attacking
Club : Bayern ????????
Awards : Champions League, Africa Cup of Nations, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Premier League, English League Cup, FA Cup, Austrian Championship
Former professional clubs : Liverpool (???????????????????????????? 2016-22), Southampton (???????????????????????????? 2014-16), Salzbourg (????????2012-14), Metz (???????? 2011/12)
Selections : 92 (33 ⚽️)
Champions League : 52 matches (23 ⚽️)
Winning it is even more… I remember very well when Divock Origi scored the second goal (in Liverpool’s victory in the final in 2018/19), that day I was on cloud nine, I didn’t even believe it. I remembered when I was young, I enjoyed watching all the excitement around and being able to play a final and win it…2019 was an exceptional year.
Mané on his first training in Europe, in Metz…
It was not easy at first, leaving Senegal to go to France, there is a difference in culture, and also in time! I remember, I arrived in the middle of January. For my first day in France, I arrived around 10-11 am, and Olivier Perrin asked me if I might train, with the trip. I told him “no problem”, because I wanted to play, I was excited, I had just arrived so I wanted to show what I am capable of.
That day, there was the sun, synonymous with temperature so I dressed in short sleeves. I was a little late, the other players were already on the pitch. When I came out, as a new arrival with my very short clothes, everyone started laughing! I said to myself “what is this, what is going on, do they find me funny or what? », whereas it was not that. I introduced myself, “I’m Sadio, newcomer”, and then I mightn’t last five minutes! And I understood why they were laughing… It was so cold, the sun deceived me, for me it was like in Senegal! I went back to the locker room and my hands were freezing, I had to put it in hot water! That day was so complicated, I will never forget it.
Mané on his adaptation to Bayern…
I already speak a little German. Afterwards I have an interview in German, I’m happy. The adaptation is going well, changing from one club to another is not at all easy. I spent eight beautiful years in England and now I find myself in another country, everything changes. The people, the training, you have to adapt, I knew that, it’s not a surprise. But everything is going as I had imagined. The people are incredible, the welcome, the players, the people around the club are exceptional.
We have a very young team. It’s the first time in my career that I find myself in such a young team, but what struck me the most is that the players are all hungry, they listen, it’s easy to shine with these very talented young people.
On his triumph in the African Cup of Nations…
This victory will forever be etched in my heart. It’s the absolute dream. What made it special is that we had never won it before. The joy was magnificent and I don’t have the words to describe. For me it’s the biggest trophy I’ve won just like my teammates.
