‘Do not cry because it is over. Smile because you witness greatness.’
That was the message on social media after Sadio Mane confirmed his move to Bayern Munich this week.
The Senegalese forward had announced his intention to leave Liverpool after the Champions League final last month, but the dreaded day has finally arrived. It means the end to Liverpool’s terrific trio of Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto ‘Bobby’ Firmino.
Egypt’s Salah, out of contract next June, may leave at the end of the coming season as Liverpool refuses to break its strict wage structure. Firmino’s contract also ends next summer.
Although Liverpool started rebuilding by signing Diogo Jota two years ago, Luiz Diaz in January, and Darwin Nunez earlier this month, it remains to be seen if the future front three can reach the heights of their predecessors.
In their five years together, Salah, Mane and Firmino combined for a remarkable 338 goals in 282 games. Salah leads the way with 156 goals, followed by Mane (107) and Firmino (75).
The trio also assisted 139 goals for the team. Here too, Salah leads the way with 58. Firmino is on 50, while Mane leaves with 31 assists.
Remarkably, 66 per cent of their assists were to each other, with Firmino claiming 39 (21 to Salah, and 18 to Mane). Salah has 29 (18 to Mane, 11 to Firmino), and Mane has 24 (18 to Salah and six to Firmino).
Salah and Mane scored in the same game for Liverpool on 46 occasions in all competitions. Only Ian St John and Roger Hunt have scored more times in the same game for Liverpool – 48.
During their partnership, the trio helped Liverpool win the English Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, League Cup and FA Cup.
Overall, Mane, who joined Liverpool a year before Salah, scored 120 times in 269 games for The Reds. He also had 38 assists.
In a press conference earlier this week, Mane thanked Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for understanding his desire to move.
“Klopp is a good guy. He wanted me to stay but understood my situation. He was a little bit sad but wished me all the best. I will always be grateful to him.
“I spent six wonderful years, but I needed a new challenge. I leave as Liverpool’s No.1 fan.”
Farewell, Mane. Thanks for the memories.
