‘Keita is more than a friend, he’s a brother’

Sadio Mane says he has a special relationship with new Liverpool signing Naby Keita and expects his arrival to further boost an improving side.

The Reds spent months pursuing the highly-rated midfielder last summer and finally got their man on a pre-contract agreement at the end of the window.

Keita will officially become a Liverpool on July 1, and Mane is eagerly awaiting the chance to play alongside his former team-mate once again.

“I know him well,” he told Sport Witness. “He’s more than a friend, he’s a brother. We already played with each at RB Salzburg [in 2013/14]. We often speak on the phone.

“He’ll be very welcome. He’s a talented player who’s going to bring a lot to Liverpool.”

READ: Nabil Fekir’s latest comments in his press conference

READ: Sadio Mane “already one of the best”

Mane also heaped praise on Mohamed Salah and backed the Egyptian to mount a successful challenge for this year’s Ballon D’Or.

“With Mo, our relationship is very good,” he said. “We get along well on and off the pitch. We spend a lot of time together.

“I’m sure Mo has the qualities to become the best player in the world. In my eyes, he can win the Ballon d’Or, and I hope he does.”

Mane is currently in Russia with his native Senegal and will open his World Cup campaign against Poland on Monday afternoon.

The post ‘Keita is more than a friend, he’s a brother’ appeared first on AnfieldHQ.

Source: anfieldhq.com