The contract of Mamadou Sakho, a former center-back for Liverpool, was terminated at Montpellier after a physical fight with manager Michel Der Zakarian.
Former Liverpool player Sakho signed a free agent contract with Montpellier in 2021. But this season, his playing time had been steadily declining, and last week at practice, tensions erupted.
The 33-year-old reportedly got into an argument with Der Zakarian, calling him a “cry-baby,” and then left the field. Der Zakarian is reported to have fallen to the ground and a necklace was shattered when Sakho allegedly grabbed his coach by the collar. Sakho acknowledged the end of his contract with the team in an Instagram statement:
When respect is no longer being shown, you must know when to get up from the table. With reference to the event that occurred at the training center last week, for which I accept no accountability, I have chosen to terminate my association with Montpellier Herault Sports Club as of today, February 11, 2023. I enjoyed sharing my elite expertise with my teammates and my “little brothers” from the training facility during my two years in this family club.
Sakho conveyed his appreciation to Bruno Carotti, the sports director, the medical team, and the fans for their unwavering support and devotion during his tenure at Montpellier.
Der Zakarian, whose lack of playing time coincided with the manager’s hiring in February, was noticeably absent from his homages.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1720129292690940241?t=O3aEZaUZu0IlO_-5QYW3fA&s=19
