Jurgen Klopp has admitted Liverpool were powerless to stopping Sadio Mane from leaving Anfield following his summer transfer to Bayern Munich.
The Senegal international, 30, joined Bayern last month after the two clubs agreed a £35million fee, ending his six-year spell at Liverpool. Mane played a crucial role in the club's success under Klopp, scoring 120 goals to help them win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
The Reds were prepared for Mane's departure as they signed prolific Benfica forward Darwin Nunez before his move to Bayern was complete. The Uruguay international, 23, scored 34 goals last season - including two against Liverpool in the Champions League.