Sadio Mane wanted to sign a “death contract” to play for Senegal

Earlier this year, Sadio Mané won the Africa Cup of Nations title with Senegal. Mané has now revealed in an interview that during the tournament he wanted to voluntarily sign a contract to take responsibility in the event of his death.

Senegal beat Egypt’s Mohamed Salah on penalties in the final, with Mane himself converting the winning penalty kick in front of a boisterous crowd at Cameroon’s Olembe Stadium.

Mane scored a total of three goals at the tournament, including the opening goal in his team’s 2-0 win over Cape Verde in the eighth-final.

However, the 30-year-old had to withdraw from the field shortly after that goal. The reason was a nasty collision with goalkeeper Vozinha just before the ball reached the net.

Senegal won and advanced to the quarter-finals. As a result of this clash, Mané’s start in the quarter-finals was very uncertain due to concussion protocols.

“If I die”

Liverpool wrote to the Senegalese Football Federation at the time to ensure that Mane would be rested for five days, meaning he would miss the quarter-final clash. Mane, however, was not going to let that happen. He was so determined that he was willing to risk his life.

He told Pro Direct Soccer of France

“Liverpool put pressure on the federation at the time and wrote a letter to FIFA saying I needed at least five days rest, so that meant I would miss the quarter-final. Our national doctor also had to follow these rules.”

Mané phoned the coach and the president of the federation later that day and told them they had to count on him for the next matches. He was willing to give up his life.

Mané was even willing to sign a contract saying that if he died on the field, it would not be anyone’s fault but his own. In the end, team doctors declared him healthy.

Mane added: ” I know I shouldn’t play, but let’s have a contract. It will be my responsibility, I will sign it.”

“If I die, they have to say it’s my fault. It’s nobody’s fault.“

“It was around 1 or 2 in the morning, everyone panicked. I said, ” Coach, I know you’re scared too. Just write a letter saying I was playing voluntarily in case I die or whatever else happens.’ Everybody was tense.”

Fortunately, everything worked out fine.

In the end, Mané became a hero when he converted the winning penalty in the final shootout against Egypt.

Now Mané is focusing on the season ahead. He has left Liverpool for Bayern Munich and hopes to make his mark there at least as much as he did at Liverpool.

Source: GiveMeSport, Goal, Pro Direct Soccer France