The Liverpool forward is out of contract in 2023, along with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Unlike the Egypt international, he has refused to divulge where he will play next season.
Mane hints at Liverpool stay as he vows to give a ‘special’ answer on his future after the Champions League final.
Sadio Mane has pledged to give “the best answer you want to hear” about his Liverpool future after Saturday’s Champions League final and hopes a victory against Real Madrid would enhance his prospects of becoming only the second African international winner of the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to Goal, The Senegal international has also discussed his ambition to become the first African Ballon d’Or winner in 27 years.
Mane has been a key member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad since he arrived at Anfield from Southampton in 2016, scoring 120 goals in 268 games across all competitions.
Mane is reportedly a top target for German champions Bayern Munich, who are thought to be ready to test Liverpool’s resolve with a lofty summer bid for the winger.
This weekend’s Champions League showpiece against Real Madrid is occupying Mane’s thoughts at present. Still, he has promised that he will be bringing the “best” news on his future after the game.
“Honestly, the answer I can give you now is I feel very good, and I am fully focused on Saturday’s game. That is the answer I must give before the final. But come back to me on Saturday and I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure. It’s special,” he said ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Stade de France.
“I will give you all you want to hear then. For now, let’s go win it because I have no time for other things. I will do everything possible to win it because it is my and all the boys’ biggest dream, then I will give you the answers.”
Aiming for the Ballon d’Or
Mane has enjoyed a stellar season that included African Cup of Nations success with Senegal in February. He has this way been touted as a potential Ballon d’Or winner. The only African to have ever won the prize previously was George Weah back in 1995.
Asked whether players from Africa have been ignored in the Ballon d’Or voting in the modern era, Mane replied: “It’s true, which is sad. This cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, is the biggest trophy I have won in my life and for an African player not to have won the Ballon d’Or since George Weah is sad, for sure.”
The Liverpool attacker hopes he can follow in Weah’s footsteps later this year, but he would only see the individual accolade as a “bonus” on top of a potential second Champions League winners’ medal.
“We will do everything we can to win it and then we will see what happens with the Ballon d’Or,” Mane added.
“For me, it would be even more special to have another bonus which is the Ballon d’Or, and I would be the happiest player in the world.”
