Sadio Mane says he first told Liverpool of his desire to leave the Premier League club last year, explaining that wanted to test himself elsewhere.
"It was last year I took my decision to leave because I need a new challenge in my life," Mane told BBC Sport Africa.
"For me, it was the right time. I spoke with the coach (Jurgen Klopp) one year ago and talked to him about my desire to leave.
"If you see my story, I came from a small town - my life was always a challenge, so I want to challenge myself all the time.