England will go head-to-head with Senegal in a friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham this evening. But former Liverpool star Sadio Mane will not be involved in the match as he has asked to be excused from international duty following extensive criticism and online abuse.
Mane is one of Senegal’s greatest ever players and dispatched the winning spot kick when his country defeated Egypt on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2021. The 33-year-old has featured 111 times for his country, bagging 45 goals. He plays his club football alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr these days after moving to the Saudi Pro League from Bayern Munich in 2023. The talented winger previously spent six seasons with Liverpool between 2016 and 2022 and helped the club win a host of trophies including the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.
Mane last featured for Senegal during their World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Togo in March.
He started both matches but failed to find the back of the net and was said to have been left disheartened by comments aimed at him in the aftermath of those encounters.
The veteran explained at the time: “A lot is said about me and I think I’m the most criticised player in Senegal. I don’t have a problem with it, everyone is free to give their opinion. But there must be better things to do than criticise Sadio Mane. What does it even get you?”
Mane asked to be left out of Senegal’s squad ahead of their 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Friday night and won’t be considered for selection for the Lions of Teranga’s clash with England.
And commenting on the situation, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw explained: “It is a personal decision that belongs to Mane – and I respect it as a coach. Sadio is a very important player for us.
“But I don’t coach one player, I coach 26 players, and so the most important thing is the collective. I have put together a squad of players who are available and ready to fight with pride for the national jersey.”
Meanwhile, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation Augustin Senghor, said: “Of course, it’s a heartbreak because everyone knows what Sadio means to our team. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise, both for him and for us.
“We hope to have him back in top form for future matches, but this is a great opportunity for others to show themselves.
“The most important thing is that Sadio is there and ready for the big events to come.”