Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane have been reunited for the first time in Saudi Arabia as the two former Liverpool stars enjoyed a brief exchange.
The duo played a vital part in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph over Tottenham four years ago and helped the Reds end their agonising wait for a first Premier League title a year later.
However, both left European football this summer to pursue the mega-riches on offer in the Saudi Pro League as the Middle East continues to try and recruit Premier League talents past and present.
Mane ended a miserable solo year at Bayern Munich – whom he joined after leaving Liverpool – to sign for Al-Nassr, while Henderson became Steven Gerrard’s first English arrival at Al-Ettifaq.
The pair enjoyed a joyous reunion during a media event to promote the start of the new Saudi Pro League season and met behind-the-scenes at the luxurious venue.
Sadio Mane (right) and Jordan Henderson have been reunited with each other in Saudi Arabia
The former Liverpool duo enjoyed several hugely successful years together at Anfield
Delight spreads across both players’ faces as they stand kitted out in their new team colours, with Henderson and Mane clapping hands with one another.
They then share a lengthy embrace, evidently relieved at finding a familiar face in new surroundings after previously sharing the Anfield dressing room together.
A short conversation takes place before both begin laughing and Mane moves in for another hug with Henderson gently slapping his former team-mate on the back.
The England international midfielder then asks Mane ‘you good?’ before the short video abruptly ends as the pair are afforded some privacy to catch up with one another.
Henderson (left) and Mane (right) will soon lock horns in the first Saudi Pro League clash of the new season
Fabinho is another ex-Liverpool star to swap England for Saudi Arabia after he was sold by the English giants to Al Ittihad for £40m, but didn’t feature in the reunion between Henderson and Mane.
However, the excited partnership will soon be attempting to get the better of one another on the pitch when their new sides kick-start the new season into life on Monday August 14.
Henderson’s Al-Ettifaq will welcome an Al-Nassr side also boasting Cristiano Ronaldo to the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium for Gerrard’s first competitive outing as manager.
UK viewers will be able to watch the action unfold after DAZN reached an agreement to become exclusive broadcasters of the Saudi Pro League.
