Klopp: I'd been tracking Liverpool new boy Sadio Mane for years17:11, 28 JUN 2016 UPDATED 17:11, 28 JUN 2016
BY IAN DOYLE
Reds boss reveals he has been admirer of £30m Senegal winger since 2012 Olympics
Jurgen Klopp has revealed he had been tracking Sadio Mane for four years before making him a new £30million Liverpool signing.Senegal international Mane today put pen to paper on a five-year contract after completing his move from Southampton.
The 24-year-old scored four times in three games against Liverpool last season, and overall netted 25 times in 75 appearances during two seasons on the South Coast.
But it was when representing his country during the 2012 Olympics in Great Britain that Mane first came to Klopp's attention, a spell that included a 1-1 draw against the hosts.
The Reds boss continued to track the player's subsequent development at Red Bull Salzburg and Southampton and is convinced Liverpool supporters will be enthused by the player's passion for moving to Anfield
“I have followed Sadio for a lot of years since his impressive performances in the Olympics in 2012, and then watched his development in Austria and in his time at Southampton,” said Klopp, speaking to liverpool.com.
“Since I came here I have spoken to the staff a lot about him and have always felt he could be a very good signing for us. He has a lot of quality, works hard and has a very good goalscoring record.When I spoke to him I could tell that he was passionate about joining the club and playing for our fantastic fans. I think they will be just as excited about seeing him put on a Liverpool shirt as I am.
“It is great that we have managed to sign him so he can work with us from the first day of pre-season.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/klopp-id-been-tracking-liverpool-11538335
