Naby Keita has revealed Sadio Mane was instrumental in him joining Liverpool this summer.
Keita will officially complete his move to Liverpool from RB Leipzig on July 1st.
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The midfielder will begin pre-season training on Monday morning at their Melwood training base.
The 23-year-old has opened up on his move to Anfield, revealing Sadio Mane was key in his choice to join the Reds.
When asked why he chose Liverpool, Keita told the club’s official website:
“When you see how they performed last season it makes me want to do the same and to be a part of this team.
“I would like to be able to achieve a similar kind of season with them next season - but even better.
“I chose Liverpool because it is a team I watched often - and I also spoke a lot about it with Sadio [Mane]. He told me a lot about the team and the club.
“I also spoke with the coach, who told me about the project for the team and that motivated me to be here.”
On being handed the famous No 8 shirt worn by Steven Gerrard, Keita added: “It was an incredible day for me. He gave me the No.8 jersey. When it happened, it was a surprise and I didn’t expect it.
“When he came in, I looked at him and said, ‘wow’ because he is a legend. He is somebody who always showed respect, who gave his all on the pitch, somebody who is loved here.
“If somebody like that gives you his shirt number, it’s not to play around with, it is to try and do as much as he did - that’s my motivation.”
