Former French and Liverpool defender Sakho declares retirement

Mamadou Sakho, ex-defender for France, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain, has revealed his decision to retire from football at age 35, as shared on Monday.

The central defender had not secured a team since departing from the Georgian club Torpedo Kutaisi back in January.

This 29-capped player rose through the ranks at PSG, eventually leading the team as captain. He featured prominently in their successful 2012-13 Ligue 1 championship campaign.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all," he stated on the field ahead of PSG's French Cup last-32 clash against Paris FC, one of his previous clubs.

"Today, I am formally declaring the conclusion of my professional career," he continued.

His transfer to Liverpool occurred in 2013, where he remained for four years, prior to stints at Crystal Palace, Montpellier, and ultimately Torpedo Kutaisi.

Sakho represented France in the 2014 World Cup, participating in the three group-stage matches and the narrow 1-0 quarter-final loss to Germany.