LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's Sadio Mane during the FA Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sadio Mane not fazed by £30 million price tag, believes it is “part of football”

Sadio Mane has dismissed the pressure surrounding his big-money summer move to Liverpool, instead looking to continue his strong start.

The winger made the £30 million switch from Southampton in June, becoming the third-biggest signing in the club’s history, behind only Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke.

This also made Mane the most expensive African player of all time, but speaking to BBC Sport on duty with Senegal this week, the 24-year-old cut a nonchalant figure.

Discussing his lofty price tag, Mane said this was “normal,” claiming he feels no “pressure” at Liverpool.

“I think it’s sometimes normal in football, it’s part of football, people always talk,” he said.

“Personally I didn’t [feel] pressure, because I’ve always believed in my quality, and I know what I can do for my team.

“I don’t care about [my price tag], I just try to work in training every day and give my best, for the club and for the fans.”

Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal with Jurgen Klopp during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date August 14th, 2016 Pic David Klein/Sportimage via PA Images

Mane’s swift transition was made easier by an positive start to life on Merseyside, scoring an excellent solo strike in August’s 4-3 win away to Arsenal in the Premier League.

This came in his first competitive appearance for the Reds, and his performance highlighted an all-round quality that has immediately made him a key player for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Maintaining his confidence, Mane stressed that the team effort was “more important,” and paid tribute to supporters for their backing.

“I was very happy to score my first goal in my first game at Liverpool,” he continued.

“Especially because we won the game, which is more important.

“I want to thank everybody, for all the support of the fans and the club.”

Mane will be in action for Senegal on Saturday evening (6.30pm BST), after their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Namibia was postponed.

The winger will then return to Merseyside, with Klopp no doubt keen to include him in his plans for next weekend’s first home outing of the season, taking on Leicester City on September 10.



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