Senegalese star, Sadio Mane, has shared his excitement after his new club, Al Nassr, clinched the Arab Club Champions Cup on Saturday.
The winger, who had played for Liverpool and Bayern Munich before, contributed to his team’s triumph over Al Hilal, even though Al Nassr were down to ten men for most of the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times, netted both goals for the Saudi club to secure their first ever title ahead of their Saudi Pro League opener.
Mane, who signed for the team last week, featured in three games in the tournament, earning the penalty that sent them to the final round.
After the win, Mane complimented Ronaldo and his teammates for their accomplishment.
“It’s all about this, well-done boys,” wrote the 31-year-old on Twitter.
Ronaldo claimed the golden boot at the tournament with his six goals and thanked the club and fans for their support.
“Extremely proud to help the team win this important trophy for the 1st time! Thank you to everyone in the club that was involved in this great achievement and to my family and friends for always being by my side! Fantastic support by our fans! This also belongs to you!” he posted on social media.
Al Nassr will now focus on the league, where they will take on Al Ettifaq in the first match of the 2023/24 season.
One of the most shocking and contentious transfers of the summer was Sadio Mane’s switch from Bayern Munich to Al Nasr.
The Senegalese winger, who used to be considered as one of the best players in the world, left the Bundesliga for the Saudi Pro League, where he teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo and earned a whopping £650,000 a week.
Many fans and pundits have doubted Mane’s motivation and ambition, as he departed from a club that has ruled German football for over a decade and consistently competes for the Champions League trophy.
Mane had a poor season with Bayern, scoring only 12 goals in 38 games and having a post-match confrontation with his colleague Leroy Sane.
However, he still had two years remaining on his contract and could have challenged for his position under new boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Instead, he chose a profitable move to Al Nasr, which is owned by Saudi prince Faisal bin Turki and has been splashing cash to lure some of the biggest stars in world football.
Al Nasr have already signed Ronaldo from Juventus for £50m and are reportedly keen on Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba.
Al Nasr are aspiring to become a global force and contend for the Asian Champions League, as well as boost their popularity and revenue in the Middle East and beyond.
They have offered Mane a contract until 2027, which means he stands to make around £136m in total if he completes the deal.
He will also enjoy a tax-free income and a lavish lifestyle in Saudi Arabia.
However, some critics have blamed Mane for abandoning his principles and values, as he moves to a country that has been widely criticized for its human rights abuses and involvement in the Yemen war.
Mane, who is a devout Muslim and a benefactor, has previously donated money to build schools, hospitals and mosques in his hometown of Bambali in Senegal.
He has also spoken out against racism and inequality in football and society.
Mane’s move to Al Nasr has split opinions among fans and experts, as some see it as a courageous and adventurous decision, while others see it as a greedy and selfish one.
No matter what, it is undeniable that Mane has left behind a legacy at Liverpool and Bayern Munich, where he won several trophies and awards, including the Premier League, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup and the Bundesliga.
He also scored 120 goals in 269 games for Liverpool and 12 goals in 38 games for Bayern.
Mane will now face a new challenge and a different culture in Saudi Arabia, where he will hope to regain his form and happiness on the field.
He will also play alongside Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Whether Mane’s move to Al Nasr will prove to be a success or a failure remains to be seen, but it is certainly one of the most fascinating stories of this transfer window.