Sadio Mane couldn’t hide his delight at seeing former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson in Saudi Arabia last night.
The two Reds legends have begun a new chapter of their careers having made the move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. Henderson joined Al Ettifaq direct from Liverpool, while Mane moved to Al Nassr after a disappointing year at Bayern Munich.
Al Ettifaq and Al Nassr actually meet on their respective first day of the league season on Monday. But before then, the Saudi Pro League official Twitter page captured a meeting between them yesterday.
Spotting Henderson in what looks like a training facility of some kind, a huge smile spreads across Mane’s face. The pair embrace, the affinity between them following their years at Liverpool absolutely clear.
“You good?” asks Henderson with a grin, after they break apart. Standing with his hand on his former captain’s shoulder, Mane seems overcome.
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“I can’t believe I see you!” says the 31-year-old, before bringing Henderson back in for another cuddle.
The chuckling Al Ettifaq man pats Mane on the back before engaging in a more lengthy, off-camera discussion.
Mane and Henderson reunite
It’s a little bit of a shame that Liverpool fans were robbed of seeing Mane during their friendly with Bayern Munich in Singapore last week.
The Senegal international was on the verge of completing his move to Al Nassr and wasn’t in the travelling squad.
But having not been given the farewell he was owed at Anfield last summer, it would have been nice for Mane to feel the warmth of the Reds over in Singapore.
It would also have given him the chance to meet up with a whole lot more of his former Liverpool teammates, as well as Jurgen Klopp.
Nevertheless, Henderson won’t be the only familiar face Sadio sees out in Saudi Arabia this season.
There’ll also be reunions with Fabinho and Roberto Firmino, with the latter no doubt especially anticipated by fans.
It all serves as a reminder at how disappointing it is to see this great Liverpool side break up. But, nothing lasts forever, the Reds have a new super team to build. Let’s focus back on matters closer to home.