“I respect”- Jurgen Klopp gives honest verdict on Sadio Mane leaving Liverpool for Bayern

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gives emotional interview after Sadio Mane seals move to Bayern Munich

Jurgen Klopp signing Sadio Mane from Southampton arguably started the German manager’s dynasty at Liverpool.

The Senegalese star joining from Southampton back in 2016 set in motion a chain of events that restored Liverpool’s status as one of the strongest clubs in the world. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker joined later on.

And while Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson were already at LFC at the time, signing Mane- one of the most exciting wingers at that time- apparently ahead of Manchester United

The Reds gradually became one of the most sought-after locations for world-class players once again. But six years since his move to Anfield, the 2022 AFCON winner has now bid farewell to those at LFC and joined Bayern Munich.

Klopp, the man who made him into the superstar winger he is today, was obviously going to be emotional at such a time. In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com, the German manager went on to call the Senegalese one of the club’s greatest ever players.

“One of Liverpool’s greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love. He leaves with his status among the greats guaranteed. And, yes, he leaves in a moment where he is one of the best players in world football.”

He added that he respects the 30-year-old star’s decision to join Bayern. A model professional on and off the pitch, it was always expected that the club and Mane would part ways in an amicable way.

“I respect completely his decision and I’m sure our supporters do also. If you love LFC, you have to love Sadio – non-negotiable. It is possible to do this while accepting our loss is Bayern’s gain.”

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Klopp isn’t overselling Mane’s legacy here. The winger scored goals, won us important games, and won trophies. He has perhaps won everything there was to win here, and it is natural he wants to try his hand at something new.

Hopefully, he sets the Bundesliga alight with his pace, power, and panache.