Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane admits he never wanted to leave Metz early in his career, but that move proved to be successful as the player continued at a high level.
Starting his professional career with Metz, Mane was unable to help them avoid relegation from Ligue 2 in the 2011/12 season.
Red Bull Salzburg was after the attacker, but the French team asked for four million euros, after they rejected the first offer of the Austrians.
Surprised when RB Salzburg met the asking price, Mane was forced to make a reluctant and tearful exit.
“It was a difficult time for the club because they were going down, but I wanted to stay because Metz was my first professional club. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I wanted to come back with the team,” Mane initially told RMC Sport .
“I remember when the Austrian club made an offer. Bernard Serin (Metz president) said: “No, if you want him, you have to pay €4 million” because he didn’t think a Ligue 2 player was worth that price. But they came back and offered 4 million euros”.
“I didn’t want to leave, but I had to leave. I was told it was necessary. I cried. I remember it like it was yesterday. I cried as a child because I had to go to Austria”.
“I didn’t know the language, I didn’t know anyone. Metz was my second home. In the end, it was difficult, but I agreed to go to Salzburg”, concluded the Senegalese attacker.