Sadio Mane Says His Parents Were Against His Decision to Pursue a Football Career
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has revealed that his own parents were against his decision to pursue a career in professional football, even going as far as saying that they felt he was 'wasting his time'.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, the Senegal international has admitted that he was not supported in the early days during his pursuit of a career in football.
Mane said: "I was born in a village where there had never been a footballer who'd made it in the major championships.
"I always said: 'This is the only job that will enable me to help you. And I think I have a chance to become a footballer.'
"They weren't sure about it because I was a long way from the capital and almost nobody from there had succeeded. So they were against the idea, and they never believed it, right up until the day when I signed my first professional contract."
The 26-year-old, currently joint top scorer in the Premier League with four goals in four games, signed his first deal with Metz in 2011.
Following his time in France, Mane moved to Red Bull Salzburg, then Southampton, before making a big money move to Anfield.
Mane continued: "For them, it wasn't possible. They weren't exactly wrong because it really wasn't straightforward, but I wanted to realize my dream of becoming a footballer.
"I gave it everything. It got to the point where they didn't really have a choice, so they started helping me, and it worked. Today, they're all proud."
Liverpool's No. 10 will get the chance to build on his lightning start to the season when the Reds take on Tottenham this weekend, where Jurgen Klopp's side will have their title credentials tested.
