Bayern Munich ace Sadio Mane admits he never wanted to leave Metz early in his career.

Starting his professional career with Metz, Mane was unable to help them avoid relegation from Ligue 2 in 2011/12. Red Bull Salzburg moved for the forward as a result, only to be told the French side were demanding €4m after rejecting the Austrians' first offer.

Surprised when Salzburg actually met their asking price, Mane was forced to make a reluctant exit as a result.

"It was a difficult time for the club because they were getting relegated, but I wanted to stay because Metz was my first professional club," former Liverpool striker Mane admitted to RMC. "I didn't really see myself elsewhere. I wanted to go back up with the team.

"I remember when the Austrian club made an offer. Bernard Serin (Metz president) said, 'No, if you want him, you have to pay €4m,' because he didn't think that a Championnat National player was worth that price. They (RB Salzburg) came back and offered €4m.

"I didn't want to leave, but I had to. I was told that I had to. I cried. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I cried like a kid because I had to go to Austria. I didn't know the language, I didn't know anyone. Metz was my second home. In the end, it was difficult, but I accepted going to Salzburg."