Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has criticised Sadio Mane's claims that he could leave Anfield if it is what the 'Senegalese people' want from him.
Enrique took to Instagram to voice his outrage at the 30-year-old forward's comments, suggesting that he was more interested in the money that Bayern Munich might offer him than the will of his compatriots.
Mane, who became Senegal's record goalscorer after a hat-trick against Benin, has been heavily linked with a departure from Anfield this summer and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have been touted as his most likely destination.
Enrique's Instagram post read: 'The worse excuse I ever heard from a player to a leave a club.
'He is and will stay as a legend for us but please Sadio you want to leave because they pay you more somewhere else and is fair but putting the excuse of the Senegalese people...'
The Liverpool star was questioned about his immediate future in a press conference ahead of his country's African Cup of Nation's Qualifying match against Benin Republic.
And although he did not confirm that he would be leaving the Anfield club, he dropped perhaps the biggest hint so far that he might be on his way out.
He said: 'I respect the fans and team but 60 to 70 per cent of Senegalese want me to leave Liverpool? I'll do what they want.'
Mane clarified his comments after performing on the international stage. 'I spoke yesterday while joking with a bit of humour and it was everywhere. I think we'll stop there,' he said on Saturday.
'Liverpool is a club I respect a lot. The fans adopted me since day one. Regarding the future, we'll see.'
Sportsmail reported recently that Mane is intrigued by a move to Bayern Munich and it is understood that the Bundesliga giants are indeed in pole position to get him.
Bayern Munich want to play Mane alongside Robert Lewandowski - provided he doesn't leave for Barcelona having himself declared his days at his current club are numbered.
Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is thought to have sent an offer worth around £17million per season to Mane, which has impressed the frontman.
Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping an eye on his situation, but Mane appreciates the border area of southern Germany and the set-up at Bayern.
Either club will have to pay around £42.5m for Mane's services next season as Liverpool have attached a slightly higher price tag than the £35m initially touted.
Mrskd
535
Truth be told If MESSI can win BALLON D’or last season just because he too his country to win their first international trophy over a decade now, then tell me why this guy MANE don’t deserve the BALLON D’or too? Recall that he(mane) took his country to win their first ever international trophy in history, he won FA and Carabao cup... premier league runner up Ucl runner up... 20+ goals this season He took his club to WORLD CUP... Is this not enough for him to win the ballon D’or huh?
Vahaceiryz
368
Mane's country people needs money to build hospitals, schools and help poor people. Since half of his salary is given to his people he needs more money. so Liverpool should consider to pay more money to Mane.
Maduor
300
Enrique does a lot of yappa for the Reds but this one ain’t it. If Mane wants to leave, let the man leave. Him leaving will not and should not criticise his Liverpool career because he has been one of the greatest Africans ever to grace our jersey and also play in the prem. I feel like FNG decided not to renew both Mane and Salah and so they chose one to renew the contract and it’s Salah they will do so. Past players whether they played 5 times, 50 times or even 100 + times should not get themselves in the Mane transfer debarcle. He wants money because that is what his consistent level or scoring is showcasing and he rightfully deserves it. He shouldn’t leave on bad terms with us but as a legend and if Bayern can give him what he wants he should go for it. This transfer will finally end the Mane vs Salah and who was more important. They were both important players in their own different accord for us and I appreciate and thank Mane for everything he has done for the club. From playing with the number 19 deployed on the RW to becoming a LW later inheriting the number 10 to recently playing as a ST. Your versatility has been expendable and extrodinary. 🇸🇳🦁. Thanks you Sadio Mane🙏🤲❤️
Wish all football lovers reason like u.