Sadio Mane has cited a ‘new challenge’ as his reason for leaving Liverpool.
Mane’s six-year stay on Merseyside drew to a close on Tuesday as he joined Bayern Munich in a deal worth an initial £28 million to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Senegal international leaves Anfield having won every major honour available to him, including a long-awaited first Premier League title in 2020.
But Mane admitted the desire to test himself with the Bundesliga giants was the key motivation in bringing the curtain down on his time with the Reds.
He said: “Obviously it is strange – really, really strange – to no longer be a Liverpool player after six years spent at Anfield.
“But of course I had a great time, an unbelievable time, and since my first day I really, really enjoyed training, playing, at Anfield especially and in front of these amazing supporters. Now it’s come to the end, so what can you say?
“My life is always [about a] challenge and when it came I said to the club that I want to leave, I want to go somewhere else to see a new challenge.
“It is not anything else, it is just a challenge because for me I want to always be challenging myself to get better and better.”
Klopp reflected on Mane’s exit as a watershed moment in Liverpool’s recent history, adding that the 30-year-old has cemented his place in club folklore.
“It’s a big moment. There is no point in anyone trying to pretend otherwise,” said the German.
“One of Liverpool’s greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is.
“He leaves with our gratitude and our love. He leaves with his status among the greats guaranteed – and, yes, he leaves in a moment where he is one of the best players in world football.
“But we must not dwell on what we now lose, instead celebrate what we were privileged to have.
“The goals he scored, the trophies he won; a legend, for sure, but also a modern-day Liverpool icon.”