Franck Ribery, a former star for Bayern Munich, has praised the acquisition of Sadio Mane and expressed his expectation that the Senegal striker will be a resounding success in the Bundesliga.
Between 2007 and 2019, Ribery played for Bayern for 12 seasons, during which time he won nine Bundesliga championships, six DFB Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Player of the Year award for his contribution to the record champions’ 2012–13 continental treble triumph.
Mane has transitioned with a similarly impressive résumé, including medals for winning the English Premier League, domestic cup, and Champions League, as well as about 120 goals and 48 assists in 269 competitive appearances for Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Expectations are high given Mane’s prolific and illustrious career, but Ribery is confident the 30-year-old, who will don the No.17 jersey for Bayern, will rise to the occasion.
The Frenchman reflected on his 2007 move to Bayern Munich, when he and Italian striker Luca Toni were welcomed to the Allianz Arena with much fanfare.
“There are a lot of expectations, but I believe Sadio will succeed. It will be crucial to get off to a strong start, but I can attest from personal experience that Bayern fans make debuts simpler by welcoming everyone with open arms.”
