Sadio Mane has apologised for not attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night, but the Liverpool star feels he might be a contender for the award next year.
Mane, 27, finished fourth in the award voting behind winner Lionel Messi, Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk and Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mane sent a video message explaining why he wasn’t at the event, with an important Premier League match against Merseyside rivals, Everton coming on Wednesday.
The Senegalese forward also predicted that this year’s winner could be presenting the trophy to him at the ceremony in 12 months time.
“Hello everyone, it’s Sadio Mane – I would have loved to be here with you, but sadly my schedule didn’t allow me, because I have a game this Wednesday,” Mane said.
“I congratulate the winner and give him an appointment next year. I’ll try to be there and maybe lift the Ballon d’Or. Inshallah. See you soon, bye.”
Mane has been in lethal form recently, starting with a stunning 22-goal league season in 2018-19, to help the Reds only lose one Premier League match for the entire campaign.
The Senegal international has continued this dominance in the current season, with eight goals and four assists in 14 league battles so far.
