Mane's 'Ronaldo' nickname from Liverpool pal before transfer chat with Cristiano

24 July 2023 , 22:02

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Mane's 'Ronaldo' nickname from Liverpool pal before transfer chat with Cristiano

Sadio Mane looks set to link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr as the forward’s exit from Bayern Munich edges closer.

The Senegalese star joined Bayern from Liverpool in a £35.1million deal last summer but he was unable to replicate the form he showed across six seasons at Anfield in the Bundesliga – where he scored just seven goals last campaign.

The move would bring an end to Mane’s year-long stint in Germany, but it would see him link up with Ronaldo – who joined the Saudi club in January. Earlier this year, the friendship between the two former Premier League stars was outlined by a meeting between the two.

Mane told SportBild earlier this year: "I met Cristiano Ronaldo in Mallorca before this season after my move was completed. He congratulated me and told me: 'A great club. This is a great step for you.

"That says everything about the Bundesliga and underlines what I've already said: I think you underestimate the Bundesliga here. The recent performances in the Champions League prove that."

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The two attacking stars evidently share a strong rapport and, if Mane’s move to the Middle East goes through, they appear set to form a formidable attacking partnership. Indeed, the former Reds star explained how his teammates at Anfield nicknamed him after Ronaldo after a rare game playing as a No.9 for the club.

Al-Nassr are in talks to sign Sadio Mane from Bayern (Getty Images)

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"They were all laughing at me but I said 'from today, call me Ronaldo or Firmino!’," Mane said in an interview with Sky Sports in 2019, after a match against Watford. "Gini [Wijnaldum] said 'You have to score. If you score we'll call you Ronaldo, if not, you're s***!'."

As first detailed by The Athletic last week, a transfer meeting took place between Mane’s representatives and Al-Nassr sporting director Goran Vucevic in Portugal to discuss a move. All parties are open to the move, as it would help fund Bayern’s pursuit of Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

It is suggested that Al-Nassr have tabled a €40million bid to land the forward – which Bayern are unlikely to resist. That would mean they break even on a player whom they signed a year ago and whose value has decreased in that timeframe.

Mane hit 120 goals for Liverpool in 269 appearances and collected six major honours during his time in Jurgen Klopp’s side, who struggled somewhat to replace the forward. However, he was unable to replicate that form at Bayern – who nevertheless won another Bundesliga title last term.

Colin Millar