Sadio Mane has named El-Hadji Diouf as a childhood hero of his.

The Liverpool star listed the controversial Senegalese great as an inspirational figure when asked by the PremierLeague.com about his Premier League idols.

"When I was young I was watching El-Hadji Diouf as he was one of my heroes," Mane said.

"He also played for Liverpool and he was a big motivation because he was a great player for [Senegal].

"He was one of the best players ever in Senegal."

Diouf played for the Reds between 2002 and 2005 but is much-maligned for his time at Anfield after criticising club legend Steven Gerrard.

He went on to play for such clubs as Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Rangers, Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United having started his career in France with Sochaux, and spending time with Rennes and Lens, prior to his Merseyside move.