Mane never interested in Real Madrid move

Sadio Mane has insisted he was always going to sign a new contract at Liverpool and was never distracted by speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The Senegal striker pledged his long-term future to Liverpool in November by extending his contract until the summer of 2023.

Mane had been linked with a move to Madrid prior to signing fresh terms, but the 26-year-old says he was never tempted to leave Liverpool.

“Speculation is part of football,” he told World Soccer. “You just learn to live with it and not to take it too seriously.

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“All I can say is that my only concern is Liverpool. Mo, Bobby… it seemed like everyone was signing contracts and they were saying: ‘Hey Sadio, when are you going to sign?’ I said to each of them: ‘Don’t worry bro, I will sign’.

“And what did I do? I signed… so they are pleased now!

“I’m very happy here and I think people are happy with me too. We want to write our names alongside the many great ones in the story of this club. Hopefully it’s the beginning of something special.”

Liverpool currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League and welcome Leicester to Anfield on Wednesday.

Mane, who has scored 10 goals in 28 matches so far this season, added: “I can’t wait to lift a trophy with Liverpool. I know the fans are desperate for us to win the Premier League.

“It would be an amazing moment for the club. It has been far too long for a team the size of Liverpool.

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“We believe we are heading in the right direction, but there are some very tough rivals – City were unbelievable last season and very strong again – but why not?”