Sadio Mane volunteered to sign ‘death contract’ to play for Senegal

Mane volunteered to do so for Senegal during AFCON

Sadio Mane has revealed that he offered to sign a contract that would see him take responsibility if he died while playing for Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations. Mane suffered a head injury during his country's 1-0 win against Cape Verde and had to be substituted following a collision with the goalkeeper. Senegal went on to win the game and advance to the quarter-finals however Mane was a doubt for the fixture after he had been diagnosed with concussion.

'Liverpool put pressure on the federation and wrote a letter to FIFA that I needed at least five days rest'

Liverpool wrote to Senegal’s football federation to ensure that the winger would be rested for five days, meaning he would miss the quarter-finals - but the Senegal captain had other ideas. In an interview with Pro Direct Soccer France, Mane revealed he was so determined to play, he was willing to risk his own life. "When I got injured against Cape Verde and I had concussion, I never talked about it that day," he said. "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.'"

'If I die, they have to say it is my fault'

Mane then added: "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.'