Liverpool fans will certainly not remember El Hadji Diouf very fondly.

The Senegalese forward was signed in 2002 on the back of the country's impressive World Cup campaign.

But Diouf would go on to score just three goals in three years for the Reds and is more remembered for a plethora of controversial incidents in English football.

On numerous occasions, he was accused of spitting at opposition fans and players.

Liverpool fans were glad to see the back of him on a permanent basis in 2005 when he sealed a move to Bolton Wanderers.

Fast forward to 2019 and the Reds now have a Senegalese star they can well and truly be proud of.

Sadio Mane is not only a great ambassador for the beautiful game, but he is one of the finest forwards in world football, scoring goal after goal for Liverpool in the last 12 months.

But for some reason, Diouf thinks his countryman is 'following in his footsteps'.

He told fifa.com :"[Mane] is following in my footsteps.

"He's doing an incredible job. He's a fantastic ambassador for Senegal. Now he has a chance to write his own story. And on top of being a superb player, he's also a great guy – humble, generous and always available for other people. We have a special relationship."

First of all, El Hadji, he pretty much out does your entire Liverpool career in every game he plays.

And finally, he is a great ambassador for Senegal as a footballing nation, but you were the polar opposite.

Mane has actually stated in the past that Diouf is one of his footballing idols.

The Liverpool star told Bleacher Report: “When I was young, I had lots of favourite footballers, but Ronaldinho was my real favourite, along with El-Hadji Diouf from Senegal.

“They really inspired me. Those two players were examples for me as a footballer. They were skilful players and good dribblers who beat their opponents easily."

Well Sadio, you've already outdone your idol.