Sadio Mane singles out 'special' former Liverpool teammate who 'everybody likes'

Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has opened up on his relationship with a former Reds star — explaining that Gini Wijnaldum would always be visiting his house when the pair were on Merseyside.

"Gini is one of my very good friends," he said. "It’s more than football, because our relationship came naturally. When I was in Liverpool, we came at the same time, and he’s this kind of person that once he’s in the team he becomes friends with everybody. Everybody likes him!

"He is special, and this is the reason when I was there we’ve been good friends — and he was always in my house. Sometimes he would call me to come to my house, and I’m like 'No, not yet. Get out of here!'."

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Wijnaldum and Mane both signed for Jurgen Klopp in his first summer in charge. The pair lasted six and seven seasons respectively before leaving. Wijnaldum moved to PSG and AS Roma before ending up in the Saudi Pro League , while Mane went there too after spending an underwhelming year with Bayern Munich .

"He always wants to make fun, and I like this about him," Mane continued. "He has a good heart; I can speak about him until tomorrow non-stop. He is amazing and we’re still keeping contact, and that’s really important."

Mane has scored twice and assisted six times in five Saudi Pro League matches so far this season for Al Nassr. The 32-year-old also spoke about the improving quality of the Middle Eastern division , claiming: "You can see it, the level is impressive now. I'd even say it's been since last year, but especially this year, too, as every team has strengthened in level."

Liverpool.com says: The Liverpool Legends matches will have some big stars involved in the future, with Mane and Wijnaldum just two of those. The pair are both in Saudi Arabia these days, which is a shame, but they will still be fondly remembered at Anfield.