Liverpool legend Sadio Mane confirms career twist to pursue 'immense' new challenge

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane will become the new owner of French fourth tier club Bourges Foot 18, as per an announcement on Wednesday.

The agreement for the 31-year-old, currently on the books at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr after a torrid year at Bayern Munich, to complete the takeover was made official by the man himself, the club and French football authorities.

According to reports, Mane will officially assume control of the club on January 1, 2024. The opportunity arose from his friendship with Bourges' president Cheikh Sylla, who will remain in his role. Mane is believed to have already invested in the club in previous seasons, including contributing funds in the recent summer transfer window.

The Premier League and UEFA Champions League-winner could not be in attendance due to his commitments with Al Nassr - they played last night in the AFC Champions League and do so again in the SPL on Saturday. Instead he appeared via video link at the press conference, where he confirmed his commitment to the project.

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"We’ve been working with the city for the past three years. We’re here to nurture and organise the club. The challenge is immense, but if the people of Bourges remain involved, I’m confident we can achieve our goals," he said, adding: "I believe I’ll be visiting Bourges very soon."

Before writing himself into the history books at Anfield, winning six trophies and scoring 120 goals across six years, the attacker spent his first years as a professional footballer in France with FC Metz.

Mane has been known for his charitable