Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has hailed the wider impact of Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum transcribed by Goal, Mendy raved about the Liverpool players impact in Africa.
“When you see African players, people like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who really play at the highest possible level, then we talk about the best world players not just the best African players,” said the 30-year-old.
“I think this is what we need to focus on. They are true examples, role models and give hope to young people, making them desire to work and exceed the limits to achieve one goal. This is how football has impacted on social level in all countries around the world.”
Salah and Mane are role models for young people everywhere, not just in Africa. But the influence they have on their home countries is undoubtedly absolutely massive.
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Icons of the global game
Liverpool are lucky to have two such influential footballers playing for them at the same time. There’s no question that both Salah and Mane will go down as two of Africa’s greatest ever players.
Both have reached the peak of their powers solely with Liverpool. Largely, their success has been Liverpool’s success.
The one obvious exception being Mane’s victory with Senegal at this year’s AFCON. That tournament elevated him to a status in his country that footballer’s don’t usually reach.
Should Liverpool fail to renew the contracts of both players, they won’t just be losing two wonderful footballers, they’ll be losing two certified icons.
Salah and Mane have to stay
The futures of Liverpool’s number’s 10 and 11 should hopefully be sorted out by the time next season rolls around.
Speaking to The Athletic today, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner declared that the club wishes to tie down both players.
“I’d like to keep those conversations confidential but obviously we’ve articulated our desire that they (Salah and Mane) remain,” said Werner. “Beyond that, I’ll leave that to Julian (Ward).”
That’s a positive update from someone within the upper echelons of the club. The reports that Mane in particular is courting interest from big clubs across Europe continue to rumble on.
Liverpool mustn’t let them slip away, not while they’re still two of the most important footballers on the planet.