Liverpool’s only Ballon d’Or winner ‘struggling’ to understand reason behind Sadio Mane exit

Michael Owen struggling to understand why Sadio Mane left Liverpool for Bayern Munich

Michael Owen is the only player to have won the Ballon d’Or while playing for Liverpool and while fans thought Sadio Mane could have joined that list this year, their hopes have been shattered.

The Senegalese star has completed his move to Bayern Munich as he approached the last year of his contract at LFC. Having won the AFCON with his country in 2022 and going into May with the possibility of completing a quadruple, Mane was one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or award.

However, not only did the Reds lose the UEFA Champions League to Karim Benzema’s Real Madrid and the Premier League title to Manchester City, but Mane would also be at Bayern when this year’s ceremony takes place for the coveted award handed out by France Football.

Owen, meanwhile, has taken to Twitter to express his feelings over this transfer. The England international claims that he is struggling to understand why Mane would leave the Reds for a move elsewhere.

Well, in Mane’s own words, it is perhaps due to the reason that he relished the challenge that he would encounter at Bayern- something new from what he had been experiencing in the past several years during his time at LFC.

“This is the right time for this challenge. I want to achieve a lot with this club, also internationally.”

Robert Lewandowski could also depart Bayern this summer, and Mane then has the opportunity to become the Bavarians’ star man up front. At Liverpool, some fans felt that the Reds star was underappreciated due to the focus on Mohamed Salah.

There could be a lot of reasons behind Mane moving to Bayern. It is perhaps a move that makes more sense as time passes. The chance for conquering another league, better wages, or the opportunity to become the star man for a super team are all valid reasons if one thinks about it.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gives emotional interview after Sadio Mane seals move to Bayern Munich
• Mohamed Salah sends emotional farewell message to Sadio Mane after Liverpool star completes Bayern Munich transfer
• Transfer News: Liverpool could loan out seven players with Billy Koumetio set for a move to Austria Vienna

Owen’s own decision to join Manchester United in 2009 under Sir Alex Ferguson after being a celebrated icon at Liverpool was arguably more confusing and difficult to understand for fans than Mane switching England for Germany.