A player in one of Europe's top five leagues has now officially left his club following reports that he physically attacked his manager.
Former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is now a free agent after confirming his departure from Ligue 1 side Montpellier, after his relationship with head coach Michel Der Zakarian turned sour.
Read: Forgotten football icons: Javier Zanetti
Reports emerged last month claiming that the pair were involved in a physical altercation on 24 October, and the French centre-back was understood to have been suspended as a result.
Montpellier have since released a statement saying that both parties agreed to end the relationship, adding that "contrary to what has been said and relayed, no precautionary dismissal has been taken" against the player.
"After 10 days of reflection, the parties agreed, in good faith, to put an end to the contractual relationship between them," the club said.
Meanwhile, Sakho took to social media on Thursday evening to release a statement, seemingly implying that he had been disrespected in the matter.
"You have to know how to leave the table when respect is no longer served," the 33-year-old said.
"Following the incident that took place last week at the training centre and for which I decline all responsibility, I have decided on this day of 02/11/2023 to end my collaboration with Montpellier Herault Sports Club.
"I spent two years in this family club where I took pleasure to share my high-level experience with my teammates and my 'little brothers' from the centre of training.
"At the same time, I thank them for their support as well as the medical staff without forgetting the supporters who appreciated my time at the club.
"Thanks also to the sports director Bruno Carotti for his loyalty to me throughout my Montpellier adventure.
"Finally, I wanted to give a special thanks to the president, Laurent Nicollin, who like his late father did before him, heads the MHSC with the values and principles that are dear to me.
"We met as men, we leave as men. Happy end of the season."
Read: '£85m Man Utd star would drive me absolutely mad!'
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.