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Reds' Mane man

Liverpool star Sadio Mane reveals the secrets to his success… from avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, to a little gift from God

Senegalese star would run two miles to training and jog seven laps of the pitch before kick-off - and rarely takes a day off

LIVERPOOL star Sadio Mane has revealed the secrets to his success... from avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, to a little gift from God.

The Senegalese star, 25, is arguably the Reds' most important player, blessed with incredible skill, as well as pace and stamina.

 Sadio Mane has revealed the secret to his success, including a gift from God
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Sadio Mane has revealed the secret to his success, including a gift from GodCredit: AFP
 Liverpool star Sadio Mane is the fittest and fastest player on the Reds' books
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Liverpool star Sadio Mane is the fittest and fastest player on the Reds' booksCredit: AFP

But Mane claims that is nothing more than a God's work... despite the fact he is the ultimate fitness addict - even winning Liverpool's bleep test competition this summer.

On his speed, Mane told the Daily Mail: "This is natural for me. It’s not something I needed to work at. It is something God gave me.

"When I was in school we would always have running races. I was good at it. Always sprinting. I can run long distance too."

But Mane - Liverpool's quickest star with a top speed of 21.6mph - did say he works hard to stay in shape, coming across as the consummate professional.

He said: "I work in the gym, twice a week I do abdominals. It is very, very important.

"I do quick sessions as I don’t want to get big. I know my body, I know what is good for me.

 Sadio Mane scored on the opening day for Liverpool against Watford
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Sadio Mane scored on the opening day for Liverpool against WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association

"I have a chef who cooks for me, I like to eat healthy. I don’t drink, I’ve never tried it in my life. I’ve never smoked either.

"This season I hold the record at the club! I always loved running, from when I was young. I never took a bag, I’d just carry my boots and run.

"There was never a bike. I’d get to the pitch and make six or seven laps and then get straight into it.

"I would go and meet my team and we would usually win. I was always the striker.

"I always wanted to win and score goals and help my team, if it came from the left, right or through the middle, it didn’t matter. I just wanted to win. It is the same now."

 Sadio Mane has always worked hard to be the ultimate professional
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Sadio Mane has always worked hard to be the ultimate professionalCredit: AFP
 Sadio Mane has arguably become Liverpool's most important player
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Sadio Mane has arguably become Liverpool's most important playerCredit: AFP

Mane continued by saying you need to be "ready for anything" as a pro footballer - taking the joys of victory along with the frustration of injuries.

He said: "When you are a professional, you have to be ready for anything. Sometimes it is down, sometimes it is up.

"When I got the injury, it wasn’t easy for me. I wanted to be fit all season and help my team-mates.

"I had to find a way I could recover quickly. Mum came to stay with me and that helped.

"Before pre-season, I had one week for holidays and I went back to Senegal but even then I went with the doctor.

"I did three sessions with him, so really I have only had four days holiday! You can have holidays after. Nothing else matters."

 Liverpool will be hoping for some fireworks from Sadio Mane against Crystal Palace
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Liverpool will be hoping for some fireworks from Sadio Mane against Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex Features
 Senegal international Sadio Mane doesn't drink or smoke in his bid to stay in shape
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Senegal international Sadio Mane doesn't drink or smoke in his bid to stay in shapeCredit: AFP

When asked if there is more to come from him, Mane ambitiously revealed: "Honestly? There is more. Much more.

"You can’t say when you are 25 years old that you know everything. You don’t.

"I can still learn. I know how far I want to go. So let’s see what we can achieve.

"I don’t think [individual accolades] is the one main aim for me. The main aim is to win trophies with this team.

"If I was to get it one day in the future, of course, that would be great.

"I’m just looking forward to the season. I think we can get stronger. And I know we can get better."



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