SHOCKING:Sadio Mane ran away from home and lied to his parents to pursue his football dream at 16

Sadio Mane is one of the most feared forwards in Europe. 

He netted 22 goals in 36 Premier League appearances last season and was a key part of Liverpool's Champions League triumph. 

The 27-year-old is also captain of Senegal and is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Mane has reached the top of the professional game - but his rise to the summit was not easy.

Since arriving back in Africa to play with his country, the forward has opened up on his remarkable journey.

It was one which saw him run away from home and lie to his parents to pursue his dream at 16-years-old after he was forbidden to drop out of his school.   

"I prepared everything down to the minute, knowing that I did not have any money at all," Mane told France Football.

"At sunset, I hid in the tall grass, in front of my house, and early the following morning, I brushed my teeth and didn’t even take a shower. I left without telling anyone, apart from my best friend.