Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho looks back on life in Paris

Sakho in action for Liverpool against Swansea City

Liverpool new-boy Mamadou Sakho has confessed that his dream to make in big in football nearly came crashing down, The Daily Mail reports.

The France international pulled up his socks after the death of his father and worked his way towards becoming a successful player.

‘Well, what can I say?’ says Sakho, who at £18 million is the Reds’ most expensive defender. I grew up in an area of Paris that isn’t all sweet and nice. The neighbourhood was quite tough. You have to put yourself about a bit and earn respect.

‘When I was 14-15, I tried to impose myself a bit (too much) on the other players around me. Some of it was verbal, other times it was physical. But it was soon made clear to me I needed to focus and concentrate. I was told if I didn’t step in line, I’d be in trouble. I did. It was for my own good.

‘The rebellious phase started before the death of my father but I decided after to take a step back and I concentrated on becoming a professional footballer. Life was pretty hard but I took it as an obligation to myself to become a professional. I wanted to provide for my family.’

The 23-year-old’s dedication ultimately bore fruit and he went on to become one of the best young players of France, earned a call up for his country in 2010, played with the likes of David Beckham and shared a room with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with whom he won the League 1 title during his time at PSG.

PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi called him the “child of the club” but in spite of his praises the player went on to join Liverpool in order to gain a fresh opportunity in his footballing career.

Sakho revealed that the patient methods of the Merseyside club won over him and believes that it will be rewarding in the future.

‘Leaving was a big step for me,’ said Sakho. ‘I’d been with PSG from the age of 12 but there comes a time in life when you have to make some career choices. I’d achieved everything I had wanted to with PSG and I made the decision a while ago that I wanted to take on something else

‘I wanted to experience a different culture and learn new things. When Liverpool came in for me I was easily convinced. PSG does have a big project underway and are ambitious, but my situation was based more on a desire to genuinely compete. That is something I know I will have at Liverpool.’

Sakho is already showing signs of class, when he prevented Swansea striker Michu from scoring a goal with a tackle in the penalty box.

The player feels that he will fit well into the England setup due to his gift of physical strength. The frenchman’s main goal is to become a success at Anfield.

‘This is a new page in the history of Liverpool and for me – I want to make my mark on that page,’ says Sakho who, despite wearing a diamond in each ear, describes himself as a quiet character. ‘I came here for the football, not the money.

‘I had a year left on my contract in Paris and in four months I could have gone on a Bosman. I put football and the chance to move here above personal gain. I think the English style will suit me. It is now time for me to turn a new page.’