(Reuters) – Mamadou Sakho has departed Montpellier, his current club in Ligue 1, following an incident at the training center last week, the French defender announced on Thursday.
According to reports in French media, the 33-year-old former Paris St Germain and Liverpool center back allegedly had a heated exchange with manager Michel Der Zakarian.
Sakho, who has made 29 appearances for the French national team, joined Montpellier in 2021 after playing for Premier League side Crystal Palace.
“When respect is no longer present, one must know how to remove themselves from the situation,” stated Sakho on Instagram.
“In light of the incident that occurred at the training center last week, and for which I completely deny any responsibility, I have decided to terminate my collaboration with Montpellier.”
Montpellier released a statement confirming that both parties mutually agreed to terminate Sakho’s contract after a period of ten days of contemplation.
“Over the past ten days, the media has created a frenzy surrounding a supposed ‘clash’ between Michel Der Zakarian and Mamadou Sakho,” Montpellier stated.
“Contrary to the rumors and reports, we have not taken any precautionary actions to dismiss Mamadou Sakho.”
Sakho’s time at Liverpool also experienced turbulence in 2016, as he was dropped from the first team and sent home from a pre-season tour in the United States due to disciplinary reasons.
Currently placed 11th in the French top-flight, Montpellier is scheduled to face second-placed PSG later on Friday.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
