Sadio Mane's affection for Liverpool remains as the Bayern Munich new boy made every effort to watch their Community Shield victory despite it clashing with the German Super Cup.
The Senegal star recently ended his six-year stay at Anfield and will pursue a new challenge with the Bundesliga champions. Mane enjoyed a hugely successful period with the Reds and remains a fan despite his departure, as shown by his determination to tune in to their victory over Manchester City.
Bayern kicked off at 7.30pm with Liverpool's clash beginning at 5pm. It meant Mane was able to watch some of the clash, according to German outlet Bild, which saw Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez score. The forward then made his mark with his new side, finding the back of the net in their 5-3 win over RB Leipzig.
Mane continued to be influential up until his Liverpool departure, scoring 23 times last term. He had a year remaining on his deal, prompting his former side to cash in this summer, but he has only fond memories from his time on Merseyside. Mane confessed in an exit interview that it was going to be weird representing a new team.
He told the club's website : "Obviously it is strange – really, really strange – to no longer be a Liverpool player after six years spent at Anfield. But of course I had a great time, an unbelievable time, and since my first day I really, really enjoyed training, playing, at Anfield especially and in front of these amazing supporters. Now it’s come to the end, so what can you say?"
Mane also declared that he would now be the club's number one fan, adding: "I still have my house in Liverpool and everything so for sure I will come back, of course, and I would love one day to come back to Anfield to say hi to them and of course to watch Liverpool playing because for me, I am going to be Liverpool’s No.1 fan – after the supporters!"
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Liverpool signed Nunez to replace Mane and the Uruguayan has the added pressure of being the club's record signing after joining from Benfica. He copped some early criticism following his performances in pre-season, but his effort in the Community Shield will be a huge confidence boost.
Jurgen Klopp said on the new boy: "In the first few games (of pre-season) we were not even close to the fitness level of today and then when he came on, we passed each ball for him to chase it and after the third ball he was completely killed and then everybody judged his first touches and these kind of things. It's just a joke but we have to live with that, he will deal with it brilliantly. We are patient and we know he can do good stuff."
