Senegalese striker Sadio Mane fired back at suggestions that his move to Saudi Arabia has diminished his profile, denying that leaving European football has taken him out of the limelight.
The Star forward opened his account at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, scoring in Senegal’s 3-1 victory over Cameroon on Friday.
In his post-match interview, Mane strongly denied that the move from the EPL to the Saudi Arabian League has taken him out of the spotlight, saying “enjoying myself every single minute”. in Al-Nassr.
“That’s what you think because I’m not in Europe,” Mane told reporters after scoring in Senegal’s 3-1 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Cameroon on Friday.
“This is sad for you guys. Because, for you guys, if you don’t play in Europe, it doesn’t matter.”
The 30-year-old stood firm that he can still thrive outside of Europe’s major leagues after making a high-profile switch from Bayern Munich to Saudi club Al-Nassr in recent weeks.
Mane emphasized that he is happy with his decision and enjoying his football again in Saudi Arabia after a difficult final season with Bayern Munich. He claimed the Saudi league is competitive and watched worldwide, contrary to perceptions.
“Fortunately, I can say the Saudi league is a very good league, and watched by everybody in the world, so, for me, as long as I’m doing my best and I’m enjoying myself every single minute, that’s more important,” Mane remarked.
With his goal against Cameroon, Mane proved he can still impact games at the international level for Senegal. His strike helped Senegal secure knockout qualification at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament with a game to spare.
His strong AFCON performance shows Mane is still capable of delivering on the biggest stages, no matter where he plays club football. The Senegalese star stands by his choice to move to Saudi Arabia and isn’t bothered by suggestions it has taken him out of the limelight.
The 30-year-old claimed the quality of play in Saudi Arabia has been underestimated globally, saying the league is competitive and watched worldwide. Mane emphasized that he is happy with his decision and enjoying his football again after a difficult final season with Bayern.
“Fortunately, I can say the Saudi league is a very good league, and watched by everybody in the world, so, for me, as long as I’m doing my best and I’m enjoying myself every single minute, that’s more important,” Mane remarked.
Mane stands by his choice to prioritize happiness in Saudi Arabia over perceptions of his profile decreasing outside of European leagues. But his AFCON performance shows he is still capable of delivering on the biggest stages, no matter where he plays club football.
During his prolific time in Europe, Mane won both the English Premier League and Champions League titles while playing for Liverpool. But the Senegalese icon emphasised that he prioritizes happiness and enjoying his football over perceptions of his profile decreasing outside of European leagues.
