Former Liverpool forward Neil Mellor says Sadio Mane will be regarded as a 'legend' of the football club as he prepares to depart for Bayern Munich.
The 30-year-old's six-year spell at Anfield will come to an end this summer as the Reds agreed a deal with the Bundesliga champions this week. Bayern will pay an initial £27.4m for Mane and a further £7.7m in potential add-ons.
The Senegalese made over 260 appearances for Liverpool since his arrival from Southampton in 2016 and Mellor believes he became a 'world class' player while on Merseyside.
READ MORE: Sadio Mane set to join Bayern Munich after £35m transfer agreed with Liverpool
READ MORE: Best Sadio Mane moments: Tell us your favourite memories of star's Liverpool career
"It is a sad day to see that Sadio's time at Liverpool has come to an end," he said in an interview with Sky Sports. "He's been absolutely brilliant, there's no doubt about that.
"I remember seeing him at Southampton thinking 'this lad is a top player', but during his time at Liverpool he has become a world class player. Working under Jurgen Klopp, one of the best managers, but also being at a club like Liverpool and having that platform.
"I don't think he'll be regarded as one of the best ever (forwards), because Liverpool have got a few in that category already. But what you would say is he will be regarded as a legend at the football club. There's no doubt about that.
"In the six seasons he had at Liverpool, he scored 20 plus goals in four of those. His attitude has been great and he'll work his socks off, so the fans have always had that affection with Mane.
"One of the big things as well, he has won the absolute lot with Liverpool and scored some important goals."
In total, Mane has scored 120 goals in all competitions for the Reds. He's won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
