{"id":20879,"date":"2026-01-18T22:04:02","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T22:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/18\/former-liverpool-star-sadio-mane-pleads-for-reversal-of-decision-to-retire\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T22:04:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T22:04:02","slug":"former-liverpool-star-sadio-mane-pleads-for-reversal-of-decision-to-retire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/18\/former-liverpool-star-sadio-mane-pleads-for-reversal-of-decision-to-retire\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane pleads for reversal of decision to retire"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
\n
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<\/h2>\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Sadio Mane leads Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations final (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The country doesn’t agree with (his decision) and neither do I,” he said, as quoted by ESPN.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
read more: Liverpool reunite with former star on free transfer<\/span><\/span>read more: AFCON finals stadium cost \u00a3200m to build, sparks outrage after just four games<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Mirror Liverpool – Follow our Liverpool FB page! Find the latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/p>\n
“Considering his example, this country needs people like this,” Thiau added. \u201cHe gave lessons, humility, education and sweated for Senegal.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe gave his life for this team to get to the 2022 World Cup, to win the first AFCON, to win the first star.<\/p>\n
“If I had to sign a document allowing this player to leave, I would say ‘no’ and his teammates would say ‘no’ as well.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Sadio Mane plans to retire from international football after AFCON (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Who will win AFCON? Share your predictions in the comments section below<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts<\/p>\n
\n
This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a349<\/p>\n
\u00a335<\/p>\n
sky<\/p>\n
Get the deal here<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"sadio](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36570667.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2256110403.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"sadio](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36570669.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2256104968.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33404045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
<\/div>\n