By Victor Kanayo
Senegalese Captain and Al Nassr star Sadio Mane is now a club owner while still an active footballer.
Report from Europe revealed that he has acquired a French club Bourges Foot 18 in the fourth division side
Mane has been looking to purchase a football club for some time and his relationship with Bourges Foot 18 President Cheikh Sylla has been key in him securing the deal.
According to ESPN via Mirror, an announcement was made on social media with Mane previously contributing some funds to the club to aid with their recruitment.
But he’s now involved fully having also received the approval of the Mayor of the city, Yann Galut.
Complete Deal
Following the completion of the deal, Mane sent in a video message.
Speaking through the recorded video clip, Mane said: “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. I believe I’ll be visiting Bourges very soon.”
Club Location
The club are located 250 kilometres from Paris in central France, but they’ve never played higher than the French second tier (as Bourges 18).
The club currently sit second bottom in Group B of the Championnat National.
They were only formed two years ago following a merger between two clubs in the region.
The league is made up of a mix of amateur teams and professional clubs who field their reserves, the likes of Toulouse and Angers.
It also boasts teams like Cannes, who have endured a steep decline since giving French great Zinedine Zidane his professional debut.
Saudi Fortress
Mane joined Al Nassr after struggling at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
He had a memorable spell at Liverpool where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
He missed out on Senegal’s squad to the Qatar 2022 World Cup due to injury.
