Forgotten Liverpool star leaves Montpellier after bust-up with head coach, criticizes ‘lack of respect’ but vows to ‘leave like a man’
FORMER LIVERPOOL defender Mamadou Sakho has left Montpellier due to a “lack of respect” – a week after an incredible row with his manager.
Sakho says he will “walk like a man” – and claims he kicked Michel Der Zakarian in a training ground argument.
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The former PSG and Crystal Palace star, 33, made a lengthy statement about the sudden end to his Montpellier ‘adventure’.
Sakho said: “You have to know how to leave the table when respect is no longer maintained.”
“Following the incident that occurred last week at the training center and for which I deny any responsibility, I have decided to end my collaboration with the Montpellier Herault sports club on this day of November 2, 2023.”
The France international thanked teammates, fans and medical staff as well as sporting director Bruno Carotti and president Laurent Nicolin.
And while he didn’t mention American head coach Der Zakarian, he concluded by saying, “We met as men, let’s leave as men.” Happy end to the season.”
Montpellier are reportedly investigating Sakho’s alleged collision in training.
And his future appeared uncertain even before he decided to leave the mid-table Ligue 1 club.
French outlet L’Equipe claimed he stormed off when Der Zakarian failed to call him a foul in a practice game.
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The 60-year-old ex-Reims boss is believed to have scolded Sakho, who was then said to have complained about his lack of playing time this season.
L’Equipe Let’s say Sakho then lost his temper over something The Zakarian told him.
The centre-back reportedly grabbed his boss by the collar and allegedly kicked him.
The manager’s necklace – a family heirloom – is said to have broken during the incident.
Sakho was in the final year of his contract – Montpellier had even tried to release him in the summer.