Sadio Mané receives hero’s welcome in Iraq ahead of AFC clash
Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané was greeted with a grand reception in Iraq as he and his club, Al-Nassr, prepared to face Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent due to illness, Iraqi fans showered Mané with adulation, reaffirming his status as a global football icon, despite his current lower profile.
Despite rumors of a departure, Mané has remained with the Saudi club and now faces the challenge of proving his worth ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window.
He had been close to joining Turkish side Besiktas during the last days of the previous transfer window but ultimately stayed with Al-Nassr.
The forward’s future in Saudi Arabia may depend on his performances in the coming months.
Since his transfer to Al-Nassr in 2023 from Bayern Munich, the former Liverpool star has appeared 51 times in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and contributing 13 assists.
However, his stint in Saudi Arabia has not been without criticism.
Many Saudi fans have expressed disappointment with his performances, expecting more from the player who once commanded a market value of €150 million back in 2019.
Today, his value has declined sharply to an estimated €15 million.
Mané’s current contract with Al-Nassr runs until 2026, but his long-term position at the club remains uncertain.
With Ronaldo sidelined, the spotlight is now on Mané to lead the team and show he can still deliver at the highest level.
ساديو ماني:
العراق بلد عظيم، وشاهدنا استقبالاً حاراً من الجميع، كنا نتمنى أن يحضر معنا رونالدو، ولكن سنهدي الفوز له.https://t.co/nXq0jsWx3e pic.twitter.com/iZMRggg2PT
— نادي ريال مدريد الملكي (@md8683247644866) September 16, 2024
