Liverpool star, Sadio Mane has apologised for not attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night but feels he might be a contender for the award next year.
The 27-year-old finished fourth in the award voting behind winner Lionel Messi, Reds team-mate Virgil van Dijk and Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ahead of tonight’s Premier League match against Merseyside rivals Everton, Mane sent a video message explaining why he wasn’t at the event.
And he also predicted that this year’s winner could be presenting the trophy to him at the ceremony in 12 months’ time.
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“Hello everyone, it’s Sadio Mane – I would have loved to be here with you, but sadly my schedule didn’t allow me, because I have a game this Wednesday,” Mane said.
“I congratulate the winner and give him an appointment next year. I’ll try to be there and maybe lift the Ballon d’Or. Insha Allah. See you soon, bye.”
Mane has been in lethal form recently, starting with a stunning 22-goal league season in 2018-19, to help the Reds only lose one Premier League match for the entire campaign.
The Senegal international has continued this dominance in the current season, with eight goals and four assists in 14 league battles so far.
Mane’s club team-mate Mohamed Salah finished in the fifth position.