SADIO Mane thanked "amazing" Southampton after completing his record breaking transfer to Liverpool.

The Senegalese international has become the fifth player to make the move from St Mary's to Anfield in the last 26 months.

The 24-year-old has become one of Liverpool's most expensive signings, and is the most expensive player ever to be sold by Saints - beating Luke Shaw, who joined Manchester United two years ago for £27m.

There has been some dispute between the clubs over Mane's fee with Saints saying privately it is £34m rising to £36m with add-ons, but sources at Anfield have rejected those claims.

Irrespective of the price tag, which puts Senegal international behind only Andy Carroll (£35million) and Christian Benteke (£32.5m) in terms of the club's record signings, Mane is not over-awed by the challenge ahead of him.

Yet he has paid tribute to the club he has just left after two seasons.

"I want to thank Southampton because they were amazing and if I am here today I can say it is because of Southampton," he said.

"I learned a lot and I worked with some nice people."

Mane, who scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for the Saints, is Jurgen Klopp's fourth signing after centre-back Joel Matip, midfielder Marko Grujic and goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Liverpool's players who have not been involved in the European Championships are due to return for pre-season training on Saturday with their first friendly the following Friday at neighbours Tranmere.

Completing a deal before then was important for Klopp and Mane.

"I am happy because it is not easy if you start after (pre-season has started)," added the forward.

"But I have signed today so I will start with the team, which makes me happy and makes it easy to work with my team-mates.

"Today is a big day and I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

"It's a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history.

"I remember when I was younger I watched Liverpool v AC Milan (in the 2005 Champions League final): it was amazing and I was happy for Liverpool.

"They had great legends like (Steven) Gerrard and (Jamie) Carragher.

"It was my dream to play at a big club and the dream has come true. I am very happy to be part of Liverpool.

"I am excited to play at Anfield in front of the amazing fans and I am looking forward to a great season together as a club.

"I want the fans to be confident and I think this season will be special."