Friday 18 September 2015 18:09, UK
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has signed a long-term extension to his contract at Anfield.
The 25-year-old had two years left on his current contract and has signed a new deal despite being unable to force his way into Liverpool's starting XI this season.
Boss Brendan Rodgers has preferred Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren as his centre-back pairing, and Sakho was linked with a loan move away from Anfield over the summer, but moves to Roma and Bayer Leverkusen failed to materialise and he now finds himself in line for a Premier League return.
He made his first appearance of the season in Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw with Bordeaux, after which Rodgers paid tribute to the France international and hinted his first domestic outing of the season could come against Norwich on Sunday.
"Sakho was immense at the back," Rodgers said. "He knows he has had to be patient and his attitude has been first class. "He has trained very well, kept professional, done his extra work on his fitness and he has got his rewards for that."
After signing the deal. Sakho told liverpoolfc.com; "I am very happy to sign a long-term contract with Liverpool because, as I've always said, I am very happy here and my family are happy in Liverpool.
"I will keep working because I am a Liverpool soldier and when Liverpool need me, I try to give my best. I am happy to stay as a Scouser! I work all the time 100 per cent, I try to stay professional and I give my best for this city and this club.
"It is important for me because every day when I wake up, I am very happy to come into the training ground with all the players."
