Liverpool Defender Sakho Turned Down January Move To Ensure Amicable PSG Exit

Liverpool's new defensive recruit Mamadou Sakho turned down the chance to leave PSG in January in order to secure an amicable departure from his hometown club this summer, a move that he insists was his decision.

The France international moved to Anfield for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day with first team football opportunities a must for the centre half ahead of the World Cup next summer.

The 23-year-old was unlikely to get them at Parc de Princes after struggling to displace the Brazilian duo of Thiago Silva and Alex at the heart of defence, a situation further complicated by the €32m arrival of teenage centre half Marquinhos this summer.

Sakho was urged to stay in the French capital by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but the Frenchman was undeterred.

"I wanted to give back to PSG for what they gave me," Sakho told L'Equipe.

"Leaving in January would have been a shame for both sides. Sure, I would have hit the financial jackpot for myself, but I wanted the club to gain as well.

"I make my decisions based on my beliefs and my career. Leaving was my choice. I was not being pushed out.

"(PSG president Al-Khelaifi) did not want to let me go, but he is an understanding man. He saw how I felt and for the well-being of all, he let go of the rope."

Sakho, who was joined by fellow defender Tiago Ilori and Chelsea loannee Victor Moses on deadline day, will now contest with Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure for spot in Brendan Rodgers' starting XI.

Despite struggling to displace his former teammates in Paris, Sakho insists he is not afraid of competition.

"Early in the summer I had talks with my PSG coach and chairman," he added.

"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 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 will be hoping to immediately immerse himself in Rodgers' first team plans in a bid to impress France boss Didier Deschamps, something he may have to do sooner rather than later.

The Liverpool defender was left out of the French squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Belarus over the next five days, with Eliaquim Mangala, Adil Rami and Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny the selected centre halves, while Tottenham's versatile Etienne Capoue is also available.