Goodbyes can often be difficult. But some ways of bidding farewell are better than others.
And that Sadio Mane seems intent on riddling his way out of Liverpool is starting to perplex Reds supporters.
"Isn't it between 60 to 70% of Senegalese want me to leave Liverpool?" said the forward on Friday as he spoke ahead of his country's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin. "I will do what they want. We will see soon! The future will tell us."
Beg your pardon, Sadio?
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Mind you, it is in keeping with his ducking and diving regards debate over what his plans are for next season, given Mane is approaching the last 12 months of his current Liverpool contract with serious talks over a new deal having not yet been initiated.
"This question I will answer after the Champions League," he said during the media day before last Saturday's final against Real Madrid. "I'm going to answer after the Champions League.”
A little later that same afternoon, the Senegalese elaborated on his intention. "Come back to me on Saturday and I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure," said Mane. "It’s special. I will give you all you want to hear then. Saturday, come back and I will give you the answer I promise."
Saturday came and went with no word from Mane, albeit the circumstances of the evening - defeat for Liverpool on an occasion marred by the mistreatment of supporters - meant he was perhaps wise to keep his counsel.
And while Mane appeared happy enough on the trophy parade the following day, reports were already circulating the player had informed Liverpool of his desire to leave with Bayern Munich said to be readying a €30million offer. The Reds, for their part, said at the time they'd not been told anything by the forward nor received any interest from potential suitors, and in any case would only entertain a bid significantly in excess of what Bayern were claimed to be considering.
It was perhaps the first sign Liverpool accept the player could leave this summer - but only for the price they believe he is worth.
So to Friday, when it emerged out of Senegal that Mane had been teasing further on his future plans. And it rubbed many Reds fans up the wrong way.
Nobody would begrudge the forward a move. His £30m arrival from Southampton six years ago was the catalyst for Liverpool's revival under Jurgen Klopp, the first big-money signing of the manager's tenure. It hasn't always been straightforward - Mane has had lengthy dips in form, not helped by being shifted into a number of positions and watching the Reds sign two left-wingers in the last two seasons in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz - but the forward has offered outstanding service, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances while sweeping up six trophies and a number of personal accolades. He is a Liverpool legend.
But rather than running the risk of sullying his legacy - even if time usually heals such damage - Mane would be far better served going public with his intention rather than dropping head-scratching hints. Some supporters won't like it, but they'll respect his decision.
That said, could it all be an elaborate ploy? Could it all be a smokescreen for the Senegalese actually putting pen to paper on a new deal, as Liverpool would rather prefer? If that's the case, then fair play. Mane has duped us all.
However, a parting of the ways seems increasingly inevitable. But Mane joking he'll act on the whim of his fellow countrymen is probably not the best way to make that clear.
