Sadio Mane gave a heartfelt and humble speech after bagging the African Player of the year award. The Senegalese beat Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez to the award.
Sadio Mane was awarded the African Footballer of the year award for the first time in his career on Tuesday night. He received a total of 477 votes at the ceremony in Hurghada to beat his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who received 325 and 267 votes respectively.
The Liverpool forward had a brilliant campaign last season. He won the Champions league with Liverpool and missed the Premier League by a single point. However, he still managed to get the Golden Boot. He also took his country to the African Cup of Nations final. However, despite all this success, Mane remains the same humble player who just wants to play football and made it abundantly clear in a very genuine speech.
Sadio Mane gave a heartfelt and humble speech after bagging the African Player of the year award
Sadio Mané is blessed with skill, pace and many other attributes.
He’s also humble. pic.twitter.com/SH0XG44zRO
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) January 7, 2020
“To be honest I would prefer to be playing football than speaking in front of so many people,” said Mané.
“I’m really happy and really proud at the same time. I would like to thank my family, especially my uncle who is here today – and aswell my coach.
“[I’d also like to thank] my national teammates and the staff, Liverpool football club and my teammates.
“It is a big day for me and I would love to thank all the Senegalese people who have been voting for me. I’m from a very small village called Bambali and I’m sure they are all watching me tonight.”
“Again, I’m really happy and very proud to win this.”
Mane has continued his form this season and has taken Liverpool very close to their maiden Premier League title. He has also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup this season. He was also named the best player in the Premier League by former Chelsea and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.
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