Liverpool star Sadio Mane forced to MISS own party in Senegal to celebrate winning African Footballer of the Year as his private plane did not get permission to fly over Tunisia
- Sadio Mane beat Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Salah to the prize on Tuesday
- Mane had hoped to head straight from ceremony in Egypt to Dakar in Senegal
- The Liverpool star’s flight was grounded as crew failed to get permission
Sadio Mane was forced to miss his own party to celebrate winning the African Footballer of the Year award on Tuesday.
Mane beat Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez to the prize at a ceremony in Egypt and had hoped to fly directly to the capital of his homeland Senegal.
But the private plane on which he was ready to travel was grounded after the crew failed to get the necessary permission to fly over Tunisia.
Sadio Mane was forced to miss his own party after winning African Player of the Year award
Mane’s plane failed to get permission to fly over Tunisia enroute to Senegal’s capital Dakar
Mane has instead returned to Liverpool to begin preparations for Saturday’s clash with Spurs
AFP report that he was due to be met by a crowd of supporters ahead of a parade and ceremony with the country’s president.
But after a last minute attempt to secure a route Senegal, Mane decided to return to Liverpool and begin preparations for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham.
Mane has since spoken to Liverpool’s website and admitted he was disappointed not to be able to celebrate his success with his countrymen.
‘I am of course very happy and proud to win this award and I want to dedicate it to everyone who has helped me on my journey from the very beginning,’ Mane said.
Mane was awarded the prize after scoring 26 goals in 50 games for Liverpool in 2018-19
Mane has added a further 15 goals and 11 assists in just 28 games so far this season
‘It was my plan to first fly to Senegal to thank the people of my country and recognise them for everything they have given me on my journey, but unfortunately we were unable to make the visit.
‘Now we have a big match again this weekend which I must focus on and be ready for, but it is true I am disappointed I was unable to return home to say thank you because of some problems beyond our control.
‘So, I will return to Senegal as soon as possible because it is something very important to me – I will never forget what everybody did for me, everybody who believed in me and everybody who gave me the chance to play football.’
Mane was awarded the prize after an incredible 2018-19 season saw him score 26 goals in 50 games for Liverpool and lift the Champions League.
His wonderful form has continued this term as the 27-year-old has added a further 15 in 28 games this term, along with 11 assists.