Ex-Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho leaves Montpellier after training ground fight with manager

Mamadou Sakho has left Montpellier after being involved in a physical altercation with his head coach.

The defender, who played for both Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, left Selhurst Park to join the French club in 2021.

However, his time at Montpellier turned sour last month when Sakho was involved in an altercation with manager Michel Der Zakarian, leading to reports in France that the 33-year-old had been suspended.

But taking to social media, Sakho has since revealed that he’s decided to leave the club due to ‘a lack of respect’.

In a statement, he wrote: “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 02/11/2023 to end my collaboration with Montpellier Herault Sports Club.

“I spent two years in this family club where I took pleasure to share my high-level experience with my teammates and my ‘little brothers’ from the centre of training.

“At the same time, I thank them for their support as well as the medical staff without forgetting the supporters who appreciated my time at the club.

“Thanks also to the sports director Bruno Carotti for his loyalty to me throughout my Montpellier adventure.

“Finally, I wanted to give a special thanks to the president, Laurent Nicollin, who like his late father did before him, heads the MHSC with the values and principles that are dear to me.

“We met as men, we leave as men. Happy end of the season.”

Sakho joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, spending four years at Anfield.

He then went to Selhurst Park, spending four years at the club before going to Montpellier.