Bayern's newcomer Mané: "I don't see myself as a world star"

Created: 08/03/2022, 02:15 p.m

By: Caroline Metz

Bayern newcomer Sadio Mané is in the players' tunnel after his presentation.

© Sven Hoppe/dpa

Two goals in the first two games: Sadio Mané has made a good start at Bayern.

Nevertheless, he does not see himself as a world star – and also explains why.

Munich – He has just been named “African Footballer of the Year”, won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and triumphed in the Premier League with Liverpool.

One could call Sadio Mané a superstar.

The 30-year-old sees himself very differently, as he reveals in an interview with the FC Bayern members' magazine "51": "People say that about me, but I don't see myself as a world star at all.

I can't do much with such terms.

I just care about being part of the team.

I'll do anything for that."

You could already convince yourself of his commitment in the first two games for the record champions.

In the test match against DC United, Mané safely converted the penalty kick to make it 1-0 (final score 6-2).

And he also scored 2-0 in the Supercup game against RB Leipzig (final score 5-3).

So a successful premiere.

His teammates also praise the Senegalese's down-to-earth attitude and willingness to work.

For Mané, the team spirit is paramount

It's no wonder that team player Mané can identify well with FC Bayern's team spirit: "For me, this 'mia san mia' means that the team always comes first.

Togetherness counts, not the individual.

That's what makes FC Bayern so special.

I can identify with this philosophy very easily because I am firmly convinced that this is the path to success.

Identification is the key.

That's why I didn't hesitate a bit when I had the opportunity to move to Munich.” After Lewandowski's departure, Mané is a very welcome addition to the Bayern squad.

Sadio Mané sees his background and his upbringing as the basis for his never losing his grip on reality: “Parents are held in high esteem in my culture.

You listen to them, you show them respect.

I think these values ​​are very important in all areas of life and I am grateful that I was raised that way.”

17 million new fans for FC Bayern

His origin holds another advantage for FC Bayern.

Because from now on, according to Mané, they can count 17 million more fans: "My country consists of 17 million football-crazy people, and they are all Bayern fans now.

I think you will see a lot of Senegal flags in the Allianz Arena this season.” Mané obviously finds it easy to switch between worlds, because he already feels at home in Munich.

He is looking forward to the Wiesn and is well prepared for it: “I even have lederhosen at home, from my time in Salzburg.

I kept them because I've always loved wearing them and I'm generally very interested in other cultures."

Despite everything, Mané always remains closely connected to his homeland.

Due to his extensive training and game schedule, he can usually only travel to Senegal once a year, but he visits his parents and old friends whenever possible: "Then I'm the Sadio from before.

I play soccer with my old friends, we have fun together.

I always enjoy coming back.” Mané is socially committed in his home country and is not least because of that a folk hero.

He donated 230,000 euros to finance the construction of a secondary school in his home village of Bambali.