Georginio Wijnaldum has set the record straight regarding a widely circulated story about a phone gift he allegedly gave to Sadio Mané in 2019. At the time, Mané, who was playing for Liverpool, was the subject of social media ridicule over a cracked phone screen.
Shortly after the controversy, Mané shared a video showcasing a new iPhone 11 Pro, attributing the gift to Wijnaldum.
In the video, Mané expressed his gratitude, saying, “Look, Wijnaldum gave me a brand new phone, an iPhone 11.”
However, five years later, Wijnaldum has addressed the misconception, clarifying that he did not, in fact, give Mané the phone.
“Everyone thinks I gave Sadio Mané an iPhone, but that’s not true,” Wijnaldum stated.
Wijnaldum further explained the situation, noting, “The phone wasn’t even mine.
I had just found it in the locker room and, as Sadio was being teased about his broken phone, I handed it to him just for fun. It was just a joke between us.”
This revelation sheds light on the playful nature of the exchange and corrects the misinterpretation of Wijnaldum’s gesture.
The incident highlights the often-overlooked dynamics of footballers’ camaraderie and the impact of social media on personal stories.
