- Sadio Mane has reeled out the desire to win Ballon d'Or award next year
- The Liverpool star apologised for his absence in Paris on Monday night
- Messi went home with the gong but Mane hopes to beat him next year
Sadio Mane, Liverpool forward, has issued an apology to football fans over his absence at the Ballon d'Or awards gala in Paris on Monday night, December 2.
The Senegalese failed to register his presence as he finished fourth behind Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi beat 30 nominees to the award, scooping it for a record six times to break the tie between him and Ronaldo.
Mane, who had a remarkable year for Liverpool last season, was tipped to win the individual honour having guided the Reds to European glory last season.
But with Messi winning the gong this year, the Senegalese star promised to be back better.
In a brief video shared by France Football, the Liverpool sensation congratulated Messi for winning the award, adding that the Barcelona star would be the one to present him the gong next year.
"Hello everyone, it's Sadio Mane - I would have loved to be here with you, but sadly my schedule didn't allow me, because I have a game this Wednesday," Mane said.
"I congratulate the winner and give him an appointment next year. I'll try to be there and maybe lift the Ballon d'Or. Inshallah. See you soon, bye," the 27-year-old jokingly submitted.
Meanwhile, Mane has scored nine goals and registered eight assists in his first 15 league appearances of the campaign.
The 27-year-old star was also magnificent again as Liverpool demolished Everton 5-2 at Anfield on Wednesday, December 4.
