Mamadou Sakho never considered Liverpool exit but was thrilled by Jurgen Klopp arrival

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho never considered leaving Merseyside during Brendan Rodgers' spell in charge but admits to being reinvigorated by the appointment of Jurgen Klopp. The France international was a peripheral figure under Rodgers prior to his sacking in October 2015 but has since become a key player under Klopp.

Sakho made just three Premier League appearances before Rodgers was dismissed following the 1-1 draw with Everton, but despite spells out injured is now first choice in the Reds back-four, with Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren having been interchanged due to fitness problems and loss of form.

Reports last summer and then prior to the January transfer window emanating from TalkSport suggested that Roma were interested in securing a season-long loan deal for Sakho, 26, such was his reputation at Liverpool. But such suggestions are a thing of the past with the former Paris Saint Germain defender thrilled with life at Anfield, though he refutes suggestion his demeanour has been triggered solely by Klopp's arrival.

"Honestly not," Sakho responded when asked if had ever thought about leaving the club, according to the Liverpool Echo. "I always felt good in Liverpool. When I was in France, I didn't gauge the real impact of this club's history. Once I set foot inside, it's fabulous. There's a healthy atmosphere. The team is young and talented. Honestly, I really like this city, these fans and with this magnificent stadium. I am someone who likes stability, it suits me perfectly.

"It's nice to be in the selection. With the coach at Liverpool [Jurgen Klopp], it goes differently for me. He's very human, super-close to his players and all the members of the club. He is very kind. We feel he is very expressive but as we said from the beginning, this is really not to be mean to us. Rather, it is to encourage us.

"In football, a lot can happen off the field. The most important thing is to stay focused, serious. The former coach [Brendan Rodgers] made the choices. I have accepted. I always remained myself and smiling in training."