Renowned Al Nassr striker Sadio Mane has emphatically rejected assertions that his departure from European football for the Saudi Pro League has diminished his global standing. Mane, formerly of Liverpool and Bayern Munich, addressed the criticism amid debates about the perceived impact of players leaving top European leagues for other competitions.
In a candid response to reporters, Mane expressed his disappointment with the notion that his move to the Saudi Pro League has relegated him in the eyes of football enthusiasts.
He challenged the belief that a player’s worth is solely determined by their presence in European football, emphasizing the global reach of the Saudi league.
“That’s what you think because I’m not in Europe. This is sad for you guys. Because, for you guys, if you don’t play in Europe, it doesn’t matter. I’m not around as a football player,” Mane remarked candidly.
The Senegalese striker defended the quality and significance of the Saudi league, asserting its widespread viewership across the world.
Mane emphasized that, for him, the key factors are delivering his best performance and finding joy in every moment on the pitch.
“Fortunately, I can say the Saudi league is a very good league, and watched by everybody in the world, so, for me, as long as I’m doing my best and I’m enjoying myself every single minute, that’s more important. The rest, for me, doesn’t matter,” Mane stated confidently.
As Mane remains unwavering in his commitment to thriving in the Saudi Pro League, the debate surrounding the impact of players moving to non-European leagues continues, prompting reflections on the evolving landscape of global football.
