“Overall I think my first season at Liverpool was good,” the Brazilian said, as quoted by Liverpoolfc.com. “In my first season I knew there would be a learning and settling-in period. I went through this.

“It didn’t last that long but I remember it wasn’t easy starting afresh, I was left out for a few matches.

“Even though I was telling myself that I needed to work hard and be patient, it’s not easy being out of the team. But that’s in the past now, I started playing more.

“The more you play, the more you can enjoy your football. I think I became an important part of the team, I gave the manager another option he could depend upon. So I think it was a really good season.”

Fabinho also revealed how Mane helped him settle in at Anfield, saying: “Sadio Mane is a genuinely impressive player, he’s tireless, playing in every game with such high levels of intensity and concentration.

“His technical ability goes without saying, he always makes a difference for us.

“He’s a complete player – he gives you the option of a short pass or a long ball, he contributes to the build-up and creation of play as well. He’s a great player in amazing form, which is really important for his confidence.

“Off the pitch I chat with him quite a bit as we both speak French, my French is still better than my English. He’s a great lad. Sadio has been a really important player for us this season.”