Real Madrid have been dealt a major blow in pursuit of Sadio Mane, who is eyeing legend status at current club Liverpool.
In an interview with LFC Magazine, as quoted by Daily Mail, Sadio Mane has alluded towards not being interested in leaving Liverpool, where he wants to become a club legend. The Senegalese attacker is a target for Real Madrid over a move in the summer transfer window.
Sadio Mane joined Liverpool in the summer of 2016 and was an instant hit at Anfield. In fact, such was his impact in his maiden campaign with the Reds that he was named the club’s Player of the Year while also being named in the Premier League Team of the Year.
The player’s influence waned in the season that followed as Mohamed Salah took English football by storm. But, Mane has gone on to become arguably the most important attacker for Liverpool this term, especially in the run-in, when he has often scored goals for fun.
His numbers in the current campaign make for an impressive reading, with Mane boasting a return of 21 goals and 4 assists. 18 of those goals have come in the Premier League, which put him in the running to win the Golden Boot. Such an exemplary campaign has piqued the interest of Real Madrid, as per widespread reports, and for good reason.
While Mane and Liverpool are enjoying a memorable season, Real Madrid have endured a dramatic fall from grace. Their embarrassing fortunes have reflected perfectly in the fact that Zinedine Zidane returned to the helm at the Bernabeu, less than a year after resigning from his post last summer, with two managers losing their jobs in that period.
There have been problems all over the park for Los Blancos, but as far as attack is concerned, top-scorer Karim Benzema has barely had any support in terms of contribution to goals. In a bid to address this problem, a number of players have been linked with Real Madrid, with Mane a viable target.
But, Real Madrid are now set to face disappointment in pursuit of the 27-year-old, who has insisted in interview with LFC Magazine that he wishes to remain at Liverpool and go on to become a legend at Anfield.
“Of course I want to be a legend not only for Liverpool but also in the Premier League story and that is one of my targets. I will do everything possible to achieve everything possible. Reaching 100 games means a lot to me,” Mane said.
“To play this many games for a club like Liverpool is incredible. Like I have always said, I am very happy to play for this club and every single day I am enjoying being here and trying to do everything to win something for this club.”
Judging by Mane’s comments, it looks likely that he will stay put at Liverpool beyond the summer, meaning Real Madrid would have to set their sights elsewhere. But, you can never say never and it will be interesting to see if there’s a change in stance, if a bid is lodged.