Sadio Mane told Jurgen Klopp he wanted to leave Liverpool "one year ago"... despite only just completing a move to Bayern Munich.
The Senegal international, 30, joined Bayern in a £35million deal last month. He was one of Liverpool's most prolific forwards, scoring 120 goals in six seasons to help Jurgen Klopp's side win six trophies - including the Premier League and Champions League.
Mane had just one year left on his Liverpool contract before joining Bayern in a bargain deal. The former Southampton star is regarded as one of the best players on the planet, becoming the African Footballer of the Year for a second time on Thursday evening.
After receiving the prestigious honour, Mane explained his Liverpool exit strategy in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. "It was last year I took my decision to leave because I need a new challenge in my life," admitted the Bayern forward.
"For me, it was the right time. I spoke with the coach one year ago and talked to him about my desire to leave. If you see my story, I came from a small town – my life was always a challenge, so I want to challenge myself all the time."
If it's trophies Mane's after, he's gone to the right place. Bayern have won 10 consecutive Bundesliga titles, a run few expect to end this coming season. They are also among the favourites to win the Champions League and DFB-Pokal (German Cup).
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"I spent eight years in the Premier League, and of course I spent six wonderful years with Liverpool and I can say we won almost everything possible," added Mane. "It was not an easy decision but in life, you have to sometimes take decisions.
"So far I think it’s the best decision I have taken in my career. I’m today at one of the best clubs in the world and I’m really, really happy to be at Bayern Munich and very excited to start this season."
Mane started his professional career at French side Metz before winning the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup at RB Salzburg. He moved to Southampton in the summer of 2014 and scored 25 goals over the next two years to gain Liverpool's attention.
Liverpool fans may be disappointed with Mane's comments as Klopp's side are arguably Europe's finest. The Reds reached the Champions League final last season - losing 1-0 to Real Madrid - and won the FA Cup and EFL Cup, beating Chelsea on penalties in both finals. They also finished just one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League.
As well as his exit confession, Mane also claimed his Africa Cup of Nations crown with Senegal means more to him than the winners' medals he picked up on Merseyside. He was part of the team that defeated Egypt on penalties in February's final to win the AFCON.
"Winning the African cup was the best trophy I have ever won in my life, because what made it even [more] special is my country had never won it before," added Mane. "Country success is always bigger [than club] for sure, and I was really, really happy to win it."
