Liverpool star Sadio Mane speaks out over Real Madrid links

Posted Monday, July 09, 2018 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has this evening opened up on the stories linking him with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Explosive attacker
Mane, a 26-year-old Senegalese international, has been plying his trade at Anfield since 2016, when he made the move from fellow Premier League outfit Southampton.

And the African dynamo has since gone on to enjoy a superb couple of campaigns on Merseyside, with Mane having racked up a total of 33 goals and 17 assists across all competitions during his two seasons with the Reds.

This past season proved particularly productive for the African, who formed one third of a sensational attacking trident alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, and played a crucial role in Liverpool's surprise run to the Champions League final.

'Focused on my team'
And, though Mohamed Salah's groundbreaking exploits this season have since seen his name cast into the spotlight as one of the most sought-after footballers on the planet, Mane's stock has also steadily risen, with European champions Real Madrid having been named as keen admirers of the blistering wide-man's talents.

Mane actually found the net versus Los Blancos in the Champions League final back in May, with his impressive all-round performance having since seen links between the former Metz man and Real ramp up.

As such, Mane was drawn on the rumours that he could depart Liverpool for the Bernabeu over the coming months during an interview with reporters in his hometown of Bambali earlier today.

However, the Senegalese international, who recently returned following his country's disappointing group stage exit at the World Cup, was quick to pour cold water on the links:

'These are just rumours. I am not aware of anything and haven't been contacted.'

'I remain a Liverpool player and I will join my team-mates in the United States for the pre-season tour.'

'Real are a great team, but I am focused on my team, Liverpool.'