Reds defender on how he feels a duty to give something back to the city through the work of the club's Foundation.
Mamadou Sakho has opened up about the satisfaction he gets from his work with the Liverpool FC Foundation as he insisted: “Now I’m a Scouser and I give everything for the Scouse nation!”
The popular France international defender says the time he dedicates to the club’s official charity has helped him feel part of the local community since his £18million move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.
Sakho volunteered to become an ambassador for the Foundation shortly after his arrival and since then he’s acted as a mentor for children at Anfield’s All Saints Primary School.
He visits the youngsters on a regular basis - helping to teach them French as well as taking part in sports and reading sessions. Attendance levels have improved since the link-up and Sakho believes he has a duty to give something back to the city.
“I always promised myself that if I did make it I would try to help children,” he told Liverpool FC’s official matchday programme.
“That’s why I am involved with the Foundation and what they do. Going to the school is very important to me.
“I don’t think it’s asking too much for a footballer to give up some of their free time, but it clearly means a lot to the kids. Seeing them smile is great, it makes me feel good.
“Trying to help others has always been normal for me. I had nothing when I was a kid growing up back in Paris but I always tried to share with others or give them something if they needed it more than me.
“As a footballer you are an example to youngsters because so many of them watch the game, support their team and idolise players. So you have to try to do the right thing for them. We have a role to play in setting an example and we always need to be aware of that. Being involved has been a great way for me to get to know the city and the people.
“When I moved here I wanted to make a real effort to be involved in the community. Doing so helps you to understand the history of the city and the club. I had the same approach when I was in Paris. Now I’m a Scouser and I give everything for the Scouse nation!”
It’s been a rollercoaster season for Sakho so far. He started the campaign on bench duty before being handed the honour of captaining the Reds in their Europa League clash with Bordeaux in his homeland.
A dominant performance led to him retaining his place and he penned a new long-term contract. His impressive form earned him the adulation of the Kop but he was then sidelined by knee ligament damage sustained against Crystal Palace.
Five weeks on he’s back in full training and eyeing a comeback in Sunday’s Premier League trip to Watford. There is a void to fill after Dejan Lovren was ruled out for up to three weeks with a knee injury and Sakho is relishing being part of the Reds’ hectic festive schedule.
“Wearing the armband for the first time meant a lot to me because of the great history of this club and the legendary captains that have been here,” Sakho added.
“But my approach is always the same. Whether I have an armband or not, I always give everything for the team and the club.
“In most countries football stops around Christmas. Here in England it is the opposite.
“I think it’s one of the reasons why the Premier League is so attractive. It’s great for the fans. The day after Christmas dinner they can sit down to watch the games and eat the leftovers. That is very enjoyable, particularly if they see us winning.”
Was reading this earlier. I f*cking love this guy. Here's someone who gets it and really wants to represent the City. Elated to have him back from injury.
ok a bit ramdom but here it goes. am playing football manager and it says my team had 16 shots and 4 were on target and 6 were off target. so what happened to the other 6 shots? surely its on or off target? i cant think of a 3rd option
deflections crosses come shots or you were too far out and it assumed it was a cross or pass only guessing have no idea really
thank you for the guess. its been rather helpful unlike some OLLLLLLLLLLLLD sod
ADULTS that actually HAVE a life, always appear to be old to an infantile.
ok a bit ramdom but here it goes. am playing football manager and it says my team had 16 shots and 4 were on target and 6 were off target. so what happened to the other 6 shots? surely its on or off target? i cant think of a 3rd option
deflections crosses come shots or you were too far out and it assumed it was a cross or pass only guessing have no idea really
thank you for the guess. its been rather helpful unlike some OLLLLLLLLLLLLD sod
ADULTS that actually HAVE a life, always appear to be old to an infantile.
its funny that u think knitting and having a life is on the same page
on a side note its nice to see so many pple using this thread opposed to opening up new pointless threads
And yet the amount of worthless threads that pop up in the footy section is absolutely incredble I try not to even venture out there anymore on the man page - it's a pretty scary place..
on a side note its nice to see so many pple using this thread opposed to opening up new pointless threads
And yet the amount of worthless threads that pop up in the footy section is absolutely incredble I try not to even venture out there anymore on the man page - it's a pretty scary place..
I recieved a long forgotten name change with the updates over the weekend... must've requested it about a year ago I asked to change my name back, should be back to Donut in another year or so
I recieved a long forgotten name change with the updates over the weekend... must've requested it about a year ago I asked to change my name back, should be back to Donut in another year or so
no problem old man. so am guessing 78 is the year you were born
I try not to even venture out there anymore on the man page - it's a pretty scary place..
I asked to change my name back, should be back to Donut in another year or so 