Sadio Mane: I’m Disappointed I Couldn’t Go to Senegal with the Trophy

Sadio Mane says he’s disappointed at being unable to return to Senegal after being feted Africa’s best male player.

The 26-year-old fended off rivalries from club-mate Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City to snatch the prize for the first time.

The former Metz winger left the stage little livid during the previous edition at missing out on the prize but vowed to make amends for it – a thing he attained on Tuesday.

The people of Senegal erupted in delight at the pronouncement of Mane as the winner.

He had been expected to return to Dakar where his arrival and home feting was already being planned but his guide did not allow for that.

“I intended to go to the country to thank the Senegalese people for all their support throughout my career, but unfortunately we were unable to make the trip,” Mane told the Liverpool site upon landing.

“Now we have a great game against Tottenham this weekend that I need to focus on and be prepared for, but it is true that I am disappointed that I was unable to return home due to issues beyond my control.

“So I will come back to Senegal as soon as possible because it is something very important to me – I will never forget what everyone did for me, all those who believed in me and all those who gave the chance to play football,” he said.