Mane ‘hurt’ by Bayern Munich exit after closing in on Al-Nassr transfer

Cameron Smith

1 Aug 2023 08:11 BST
3 min read

Sadio Mane has been left “hurt” by his Bayern Munich exit, with the Senegalese forward leaving the Bundesliga club after just one season.

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The 31-year-old is on the verge of officially joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, where he will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic.

He has completed his medical in Dubai and will be unveiled as an Al-Nassr player in the coming hours. Mane has signed a deal that will run until 2027, according to Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

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Upon news of his departure, Mane told Plettenberg: “Leaving FC Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending. I know that I could have helped the team this season. I wanted to prove it to everyone this season. Nevertheless, I only wish the club and the fans the best for the future.”

Mane scored 12 goals and provided five assists in all competitions last season, but he made media headlines when he was suspended by Bayern for reportedly striking team-mate Leroy Sane after their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League.

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Mane leaves Bayern

Mane joined Bayern from Liverpool last summer, but he was unable to replicate his Reds form in Germany and lost his place in the starting XI after suffering a fibula injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

© ProShots - Thomas Tuchel has been critical of Sadio Mane

He was then criticised by manager Thomas Tuchel as an exit beckoned. “Basically, Sadio had an unsatisfactory season and fell short of expectations,” Tuchel told reporters. “The competitive situation is extremely high for him with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, we have a constellation which makes it very difficult for Sadio.

“The player knows that too, he knows my opinion and the opinion of the club.”

Mane’s 12 goals for Bayern last season was his lowest tally of goals since he starred for Metz in Ligue 2 back in the 2011/12 campaign, and that has resulted in a move to the Saudi Pro League.