Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane will be aiming to help Senegal to the African Cup of Nations on Sunday ahead of retiring from international duty
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw has begged Sadio Mane to reverse his retirement decision as he aims to help his country to the Africa Cup of Nations. Mane, 33, is set to lead the Teranga Lions into Sunday’s final against Morocco.
The game will represent the former Liverpool forward’s last appearance for his nation, having confirmed he will hang up his boots on the international stage after the tournament. But boss Thiaw has revealed that he is desperate for Mane to change his mind.
As quoted by ESPN, he said: “The country is not in agreement [with his decision], and I am not in agreement.
“We want to keep him as long as possible. He represents Africa, the world, and when we say it’s his decision, it doesn’t just belong to him, he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him carry on.”
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“Considering his example, we need such people like this in the country,” Thiaw added. “He gives lessons, his humility, his education, how he gives his sweat for Senegal.
“He gave his life for this team to get to the World Cup in 2022, he gave his life to win the first AFCON and get the first star.
“If I had to sign a paper to allow this player to leave, I would say ‘no’, and his teammates would say ‘no’ as well.”
Thiaw is not the only one to have appealed to Mane when it comes to his international retirement. Midfielder Pape Gueye said: “We’re going to try to keep him with us a bit longer, because he still has some great years to give.
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“I heard what he said and we’ll see what he decides to do. But we really want him to stay with us for many more years.”
Mane, a 125-time international, has scored 53 goals for his country. And he has expressed his desire to round off his lengthy career in the best possible way.
Speaking after the semi-final win against Egypt, he said: “We know how to play the final. A final is meant to be won. I will be very happy to play my last Afcon final, to enjoy it and to make my country win.”
Mane lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time with Liverpool ahead of a move to Bayern Munich. He spent just one season with the Bundesliga giants ahead of a switch to Saudi side Al-Nassr.
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