Bayern Munich chief Hasan Salihamidzic has detailed how the idea to sign Sadio Mane emerged from a meeting over Serge Gnabry's contract extension - from his garden.
Mane has left Liverpool to join the German giants in a deal which could rise to £35.1million. The Reds ace hinted before last month's Champions League final that his future could lie away from Anfield and, since then, it's progressed rapidly.
Now Bayern's bosses have lifted the lid on how the move came about. Salihamidzic and technical director Marco Neppe were in a meeting with Gnabry's agency ROOF - the same agent as Mane's.
"That was when the name of Sadio Mane was mentioned for the first time, as he's also represented by [ROOF agent] Bjorn [Bezemer]," he explained in an interview for Sport Bild. "During the talks I thought to myself: 'Something is possible!' - As Björn was leaving, I asked him how big the chances really are. "When I heard that Mane rejected all Liverpool 's attempts to extend his contract, I was immediately interested.
"Two days later, Julian Nagelsmann, Marco and I were on a plane to Liverpool. For me it was immediately clear, if there was really a chance to sign Sadio Mane, I was ready to work on it day and night. Julian was fully behind it from the start."
Bayern's representatives flew to Liverpool and had a four-hour conversation with Mane. "Sadio received us at his home. He was relaxed in shorts and holding a mango," he continued.
HAVE YOUR SAY!! What did you make of Hasan Salihamidzic's story to sign Sadio Mane? Have your say in the comment section below...
"He smiled and welcomed us with 'Servus'. He still knows a bit of German from his time in Salzburg. The atmosphere was good and we had a connection from the start. I had a good feeling .
"Our visit lasted around 4 hours. I told him that every person in charge at Bayern is convinced he would fit our team at 100%. Sadio brings not only footballing qualities and goal threat, but also this hunger that has always characterized FC Bayern.
"Then the coach explained to him our sporting concept. Sadio noticed quickly why he would be a perfect player for FC Bayern and that his way of playing football fits us like a glove. In the end we showed him a presentation. Marco Neppe put together a presentation with a mix of tactical stuff but also showing the identity of FC Bayern so that Sadio gets a feeling for our fans, our city and our club.
"Sadio asked many questions, everything was interesting to him. I think the emotional side of things impressed him. I always had the experience that when a player is convinced of FC Bayern from the first moment, things always work out well."
The Senegal international has ended his six-year stay at Merseyside to join the German champions on a three-year deal. The Reds will receive a payment of £35.1million for the 30-year-old, which includes a payment of £27.5m upfront, £5m based on appearances and a further £2.6m on individual and team achievements.
As quoted by Bild, Mane explained: "When my agent first told me about Bayern's interest, I was immediately excited. I saw myself there right away. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world and the team is always fighting for every title.
"So for me it was a very good idea and the right decision to come here. My agent told me that there were enquiries from other clubs. That's part of the business. But I got the feeling right away when Bayern presented their plan to me. I found myself in Bayern's plan more than anyone else."
