Sadio Mane has outlined his intention to stay with Liverpool as long as possible, with the winger pledging his commitment to a “unique” club.
Mane has become one of the most popular players on Merseyside since his £30 million arrival from Southampton in 2016, stepping up a gear under Jurgen Klopp.
The Senegalese is now operating at world-class level, and was deservedly among the seven Liverpool players named on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award.
He has been in top form throughout this season so far, having formed one of world football’s most devastating attacking units alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Salah, Mane and Firmino have all signed new long-term contracts with the Reds in the past year-and-a-half, with the No. 10 tied down until the end of 2022/23.
But if he gets his way, the 27-year-old will remain beyond the end of his current deal, as he told Norwegian outlet TV2.
“I am very happy to be part of this great club and I enjoy it. Hopefully I stay here forever,” he said.
“I’ve been to some clubs around the world, but Liverpool is unique.
“It’s like a family. The mood is always incredible.
“But it’s normal that we’ve been together for four years and know each other. We are also together off the field and that is important for morale.”
Mane described Firmino as “the most shy football player I have ever met,” with the striker’s off-field personality contrasting wildly with his flamboyance on the pitch.
He added that both Firmino and Salah are “easy to work with,” which is clear in their approach as part of Liverpool’s front three, and the hope is they remain together long into the future.
Though he is approaching what could typically be considered peak age as a forward, and will be 31 when his contract expires, Mane’s loyalty is much-welcomed.
Persistent links with Real Madrid in recent transfer windows have led to nothing, and he appears to be going nowhere.
