After Sadio Mane failed to make the top three for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2019 award – despite Lionel Messi considering him the best player of the year – and was also snubbed for the FIFA FIFPro World XI, he has now broken his silence on both omissions.
Read: Messi Named African Star As World's Best CR7 2nd, Ronaldo Snubbed Messi
The Liverpool superstar had a brilliant 2018/19 campaign, helping his side win the UEFA Champions League and claim their best-ever points tally in the Premier League.
He also shared the EPL Golden Boot with teammate Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and helped Senegal reach the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations too.
However, despite his heroics, he only finished in fifth place in the final FIFA The Best Men's Player ranking, but believes the awards snub was a message to work harder.
"As I said before, I do not focus on individual distinctions, the collective results are more important to me," Mane told Canal+.
"The choices were made. I wasn't chosen, the players in the awards had exceptional seasons, they deserved to be there, I congratulate these players.
"I think it's a strong message for me to work harder.
"I accept, it's hard for me to say that I deserve to be there, I'm modest enough for that, and the thing is, the choices have been made and I respect them."
Click through the gallery below to see the 2019 World XI:
Mane also commented on his omission from the World XI, saying he thought he had a chance of being in the illustrious line-up.
"It's a jury that votes and everyone has their way of seeing things," he added.
"Personally, I would say that I deserve to be there, but it's a choice.
"Others say they prefer Virgil van Dijk, or they prefer Eden Hazard – you just have to congratulate these guys."
Read: Mane Reveals What Salah Told Him After Infamous Touchline Outburst
Do you think Mane perhaps does not get enough recognition because he is from Africa? Have your say in the comments section below.
