Sadio Mane demonstrated his kind character once more this summer - even when he was on his way out of Liverpool.
In June, the beloved froward left Anfield after six seasons to join Bayern Munich. But before departing, he gave Reds youngster Billy Koumetio some much-needed support as he eyed his first loan move. The French centre-back, 20, was keen to make the jump to regular first-team football during the summer transfer window, a goal which he eventually achieved by signing for Austria Vienna.
In a recent interview with the Liverpool Echo, Koumetio revealed how Mane - as well as former Reds teammate Divock Origi - helped him out when weighing up his future. "I spoke to Sadio Mane during the holidays. I told him I would go on loan," the former Lyon academy prospect, who came Merseyside as a 16-year-old from French minnows US Orleans, remarked.
"He supported me, saying if I go on loan, any league that I went to, he will support me and watch the games. But I didn't talk to him about exactly the club or league I would go to. I spoke to Divock Origi, who I am close to also. Just before I took the flight, I called him. He also called me before he signed his contract with AC Milan. They are very close to me and are giving me very good advice."
Unfortunately, his loan spell hasn't gone as hoped for - making only five appearances in the Australian top flight - and Liverpool are reportedly considering recalling him in January. But that "very good advice" from Mane and Origi should still come in handy for Koumetio, who towers at 6ft and 5in and has already got Jurgen Klopp on side.
After making his debut in a 2-0 Champions League group-stage victory over Danish side Midtjylland in December 2020, the Reds boss gave him a rave review. "Billy Koumetio? Incredible," Klopp told Sky Sports.
Despite his lack of game-time in the Austrian capital, Koumetio remains confident that Vienna is the right place for his development, especially considering the club wanted to sign him last summer before Liverpool blocked the move and kept him as part of their under-23 setup.
"Obviously it's not the same players or the same level, but [they have] the same idea of playing in the [Liverpool] way," he explained. "Liverpool want me to perform for this season and come back with new abilities, and confirming some abilities I had, and correcting some weaknesses in my game.
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"I had the same vision. The three areas were aligned so for me it was a good loan and Liverpool were convinced 100 per cent that it would be perfect for me. The gaffer said to me it would be perfect and the best choice. He actually said to me he would prefer this.
"Obviously I had a choice but at the end of the day, Liverpool can say yes or no, but the gaffer said it would be perfect for me so I took his big, big, big opinion, his big voice and his big vision. I respect him 100 per cent and said thank you very much. It was perfect for me. I was happy, it's a long season with a lot of games."
