An African star plying his trade in the Premier League has revealed how FC Barcelona legend Ronaldinho inspires him.
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Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has been one of the league's brightest stars this season, and seems to be enjoying life under manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Senegal international has explained that he always tries to play the game with a smile on his face, something he picked up from Ronaldinho.
"Some people say I don't smile enough. I think that's wrong. I'm usually smiling and having a laugh in training because I enjoy football," he told Liverpool's official magazine, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"Ronaldinho always did that and I've always tried to copy him.
"I think footballers have plenty of reasons to smile. We have a great job that everybody would like to have."
Mane also spoke about life under Klopp, and feels the Reds are responding well to what the manager wants on the pitch.
"It's a system where everybody knows their job... we know each other's game," he added.
"It's become easier for us thanks to working on it and we are enjoying playing this way. Whether I'm starting up front or out wide isn't really the most important thing.
"The manager says be free and then get into dangerous areas where you can hurt the opposition."
'Ronaldinho Better Than Zidane, Pele Maradona'
The 24-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, scoring three goals and assisting a further three strikes.
Do you think Mane could replicate Ronaldinho's achievements on the pitch? Have your say in the comments section below.
