Sakho Opens Up On Tough Childhood

By Max Wise

Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho has lifted the lid on some of the difficult moments he endured as a child before making it to the top level of professional football.

Sakho was born to Senegalese parents in the Goutte d'Or in Paris, France, and rose through the youth ranks of Paris Saint Germain to become club captain.

In an exclusive interview with Sportsmail, the 29-year-old Frenchman, who is the fourth child of his parents’ seven children, reveals there were times he had to beg on the streets for money following the death of his father when he was just 13 years of age.

"I was in the street, asking for coins, and one woman I asked pulled her bags close to her, like I would rob her,' Sakho says, mimicking the action.

"It shocked me. I just wanted some coins to buy bread but she thought I would rob her. I made a promise to myself. From that day, I said, "Look, today I am hungry and she thinks I will do something bad. But me, when I become someone, when I have something, I will give back".

"I know what hunger is. I know what cold is. I used to ask for coins so I could eat. It was my life when I was young. I don't like to talk about it because I'm proud, you know?

The former Liverpool defender says his experiences has left him grounded, and have inspired him to give back to society including building his own orphanage in Tampa, Senegal, where his late father hails from.

"I will call it Souleymane Sakho,' he continues. 'My dad's name.

'We all have our own stories. My personal life story put me in this mood — to give back. When you have a little bit of popularity, you can use it in a positive way. That's what I'm trying to do."

"I don't want to be an example to people. Never. I just want to inspire. Everyone grew up with his or her own story. This is mine. My story helped me become who I am and how I see life."