The Bavarian tactician expressed his gratitude that the Lion of Teranga has agreed to join his team and praised the Senegalese for his modesty. Even though Sadio Mane is a well-known player, according to Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann, he is a selfless player. The Senegal international completed a €41 million (£35 million/$43 million) transfer from Liverpool to the Bundesliga winners.
“Very [excited by the arrival of Mane]; right from the first conversation, he made a very selfless impression, which is extraordinary for a player with such a big name,” Nagelsmann told the club’s website. “He said, quite modestly, he can imagine himself in any position. It’s rare to experience that in a first conversation, that a player puts themselves completely at the service of the club and the coach. That made our urge to get the signing over the line even greater.”
The 34-year-old former centre-back went on to explain why it was easy to sign the Lion of Teranga. “We are Bayern Munich, we always have the chance to bid for big stars,” Nagelsmann continued. “Sometimes we hit financial limits, especially with guys who are playing in England. That was different with Sadio because he has a great desire for our project, our club, and his teammates. I was delighted.”
The ex-RB Leipzig manager went on to explain why he cannot comment on the most effective system his team will employ next season and why he cannot state where the 30-year-old will play. “We can’t say that for sure yet. We have to wait and see what happens in the transfer market. But Sadio is a player who can easily play in four or five positions – and can also switch during the match.” Mane joined Liverpool six seasons ago, making 269 appearances and scoring 120 goals in the process.
The versatile striker has committed to Bayern on a three-year deal that will keep him at the Bundesliga winners through the summer of 2025. According to reports, he will have an annual income of almost €15 million, ranking him among the best earners at the Allianz Arena.