Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane will aim to help Senegal qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday ahead of his international retirement
Sadio Mane leads Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations final (Image: Getty Images)
Senegal coach Pape Thiau has implored Sadio Mane to reverse his decision to retire as he looks to help his country qualify for the African Cup of Nations. Mane, 33, will lead Teranga Lions to Sunday’s final against Morocco.
The match was the former Liverpool forward’s final appearance for his country, and he announced his retirement on the international stage after the tournament. However, Thiau revealed he is desperate for Mane to change his mind.
“The country doesn’t agree with (his decision) and neither do I,” he said, as quoted by ESPN.
“We want to keep him for as long as possible. He represents Africa and the world. And when we say this is his decision, it’s not just his, it’s the Senegalese people’s and they want to see him do well.”
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“Considering his example, this country needs people like this,” Thiau added. “He gave lessons, humility, education and sweated for Senegal.
“He gave his life for this team to get to the 2022 World Cup, to win the first AFCON, to win the first star.
“If I had to sign a document allowing this player to leave, I would say ‘no’ and his teammates would say ‘no’ as well.”
Thiau was not the only player to appeal to Mane regarding his retirement from international football. Midfielder Pape Gueye said: “He still has some great years left, so I think we’ll keep him with us a little bit longer.
Sadio Mane plans to retire from international football after AFCON (Image: Getty Images)
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“We’ve heard his words and we’ll see what he decides. But we really want him to be with us for many more years.”
Mane has played 125 games for his country and has scored 53 goals for his country. And he expressed his desire to end his long career in the best way possible.
After defeating Egypt in the semi-finals, he said: “We know how to play finals. Finals are meant to be won. I’m very happy to play my last Afcon final, enjoy it and help my country win.”
Mane won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Liverpool before moving to Bayern Munich. He spent just one season with the Bundesliga giants before moving to Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia.
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