http://www1.skysports.com/football/...amadou-sakho-explains-reasons-for-leaving-psg ---------------------------------------- Liverpool new boy Mamadou Sakho insists he has no regrets over leaving hometown club Paris Saint Germain for the Premier League. French international Sakho joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day in a deal reported to be worth £15million. The 23-year-old came through the ranks at PSG and insists he was not forced out of the club because of the competiton for places in the star-studded line-up, claiming it was his choice to leave the Parc des Princes. "I achieved beautiful things at Paris that I am very proud of, so I can leave raising my head high," Sako told L'Equipe. "Since the start of my career, my first desire has been to go on improving and reach the objectives I set. "My career dictated me that choice. I move on without regret. Today I am joining a great club with fantastic fans. I am very proud to have signed at Liverpool. "Early in the summer I had a talk with my PSG coach and chairman. Some things were said but not necessarily with any result. But there is no problem and I feel not bitterness. It was my choice to leave. No one pushed me to the exit door. "Contrary to what I could hear, I don't fear competition. At Liverpool, do you believe there will be no competition in my position?" Sakho explained why he decided not to see out his contract and leave PSG on a free transfer, admitting he wanted the club to benefit from his sale. "Why did I not leave PSG next January as free agent? I wanted to pay back PSG for what it brought me." added Sakho. "Of course it would have meant a big financial jackpot for me, but it was not my choice. I wanted the club to take advantage of it too." Sakho, who watched Liverpool's win over Manchester United last weekend from the stands, admits the club's plans persuaded him to make the move to England and that experiencing Anfield's atmosphere convinced him. "Why Liverpool? Because the Premier League is the best league in the world, and it was the club that offered me the project that suited me the best," continued Sakho. "The officials knew how to convince me. "My first feelings in the Anfield stands? I had confirmation I made the right choice. They are amazing fans and a very good team. The fans' chants are beautiful even if I can't understand English so far! "Compare Parc des Princes and Anfield? You can't compare. Le Parc is my cradle." ----------------------- Made up that we actually got him - it was always going to be difficult to attract top players that can push up to reach top 4 and beyond, but this is certainly one. Some people may think £15m is a lot of a CB but I look at the likes of Rio, Thiago Silva, hell even Phil Jones and it's definitely a bargain!
£15m for a bloke who'd ended up as 4th choice at PSG & only had a year left on his contract - have you re-employed Comolli?
£13mil for James McCarthy is the worst deal of the whole window. Agent Martinez could bring you down with his **** signings.
I prefer to see it as £15m for a French international who is highly regarded at PSG despite the introduction of billions and big names. Not only that, he is extremely highly regarded around Europe as a promising central defender and born leader. But as someone has already mentioned, I suppose £13m for someone like McCarty must seem like value for money in your eyes.
We'll see how good a deal or otherwise that was. But you've all completely missed the point, as I wasn't passing judgement on the player himself - as I've never seen him play (as I'd wager most of you haven't either btw). My point was merely about the price paid, given that he was entering the last year of his contract & they weren't even playing him.
That's all about perception - he still played 2139 minutes last season so it;s not as if he confined to the scrap books. He was behind Thaigo Silva - an expensive player bought in, and rumours are that he wanted Alex as his partner (Brazilian connection). Going by the reaction of PSG and their fans, they are very sad to see him go because at 23, he has the potential to become a world class player and club legend.
Technically I haven't seen him play, but I've seen his FIFA rating, which is more than some managers go on (*ahem* Bebe).
Thanks for a sensible response He might be great, as I said I can't comment on his ability. I just saw that Ancelotti had benched him in favour of Alex & that the lad only had a year left, so I thought given those circumstances it was massive money for him. You signed another CB as well didn't you? So you've now got 5 'first team' CB's? Seems a bit excessive given you've got no European games this season.
Ilori won't be a first teamer IMO. He's only 20 and he has a lot of potential, we need depth, which is what we have now. Coates is out for the rest of the season too which doesn't help.
Toure - was supposed to be back up but impressive displays means he is a starter Sakho - potential starter Agger - starter for now but has been off the boil recently. Skrtel - not fancied by Rodgers and I suspect he was only kept because we were light in that area prior to Deadline Day. Coates - not fancied by Rodgers and injured for the season Ilori - suspected Coates replacement before Coates was injured. Back up, good prospect. Bear in mind that Sakho and Ilori can play in a number of positions as well.
Oh right I'd not realised the Portuguese lad was so young. If Sakho is as good as he's being made out to be, then you'll have so strength in depth at CB - which is an area that I thought you were really vulnerable last season.
I think that's why there is a quiet optimism going around the club as we've turned one of our weakest area into one of real strength and quality (on paper at least!).
see Skrtel and Coates off, Skrtel Jan maybe to fund players coming in, Coates i should imagine will be next Summer as i think he is injured for most of the season. don't forget we have Wisdom and Kelly as well.
You been on the Gooners board and told them what a ridiculous price they paid for Ozil who had dropped down the ranks at Madrid. There president even confirmed publicly how 'Surplus' Ozil had become but still rung £43 million from the Gooner boys...Pop over and have a word with them about that one Tobelorone!
No, because that would be silly wouldn't it? Given that he's a world class talent who had 3 years left on his contract
Think you are loving stirring the people up Tobes! Sakho is a cracking player and if we do it right he can become world class, he really can. He seems to have his head screwed on right, seems to know where he comes from and thanks those who have helped him, hopefully his work ethic is good and he will go far.
I rate McCarthy but yes they did pay over the odds for him imo. However you sometimes have to speculate and again imo McCarthy will be a top PL player in a few years time. So maybe the Sahko and McCarthy deals are similar both clubs have bought good players with big potential. The potential is what has cost the clubs.
