EX-LIVERPOOL defender Mamadou Sakho has quit Montpellier over a “lack of respect” – a week after an incredible bust-up with their manager.
Sakho says he will “leave like a man” – amid claims he kicked Michel Der Zakarian in a training ground row.
AFPMamadou Sakho announced his exit from Montpellier after an ‘incident at the training centre’ that the defender says he was not responsible for[/caption]
GettyEx-PSG centre-back Sakho was at Liverpool from 2013-17 before joining Crystal Palace and then Montpellier two years ago[/caption]
The former PSG and Crystal Palace star, 33, issued a lengthy statement on the sudden ending of his Montpellier “adventure”.
Sakho said: “You have to know how to leave the table when respect is no longer served.
“Following the incident that took place last week at the training centre and for which I decline all responsibility, I have decided, on this day of 11/2/2023, to end my collaboration with Montpellier Herault sports club.”
The French international thanked team-mates, fans and medical staff, as well as sports director Bruno Carotti and president Laurent Nicolin.
And although he did not mention American boss Der Zakarian, he signed off with: “We met as Men, let’s leave as Men. happy end of the season.”
Montpellier are reportedly investigating Sakho’s alleged clash in training.
And his future appeared uncertain even before he decided to depart the mid-table Ligue 1 club.
French outlet L’Equipe claimed he stormed off when Der Zakarian failed to award him a foul in a practice game.
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It’s suggested the ex-Reims chief, 60, scolded Sakho, who is said to have responded by complaining about his lack of game-time this season.
L’Equipe say Sakho then lost his temper over something Der Zakarian told him.
Reports claim the centre-back went on to grab his boss by his collar and allegedly kick him.
The manager’s necklace – a family heirloom – is said to have been broken in the incident.
Sakho was in the last year of his contract – with Montpellier having even tried to offload him in the summer.
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