Sadio Mane has spoken about how he was willing to sign a contract taking full responsibility for his own possible death in the Africa Cup of Nations 2022 quarter-finals after he suffered a head injury in the game before that.
He told Pro Direct Soccer France: “When I got injured against Cape Verde and I had concussion, I never talked about it that day.
“Liverpool put pressure on the federation and wrote a letter to Fifa that I needed at least five days rest so that meant I was to miss the quarter-finals.
“Our national team doctor also had to follow those rules. When they told me that, I called the coach and told him ‘The doctor does not want me to play but you have to put me in the starting 11’
“I called the federation president and told him we need to have a meeting because I have to play. I could give up my life. I know I shouldn’t play but let us have a contract. It will be my responsibility, I will sign.
“If I die, they have to say it is my fault. No one’s fault. But they said ‘Sadio, you cannot play’ but I said ‘no, no, it is out of the question’”
Ultimately, Mane was cleared for the quarter-final game against Guinea and played in it, helping his side pick up a major win. He went onto play all their remaining games and lift the AFCON title with his teammates after defeating Egypt in the final.
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