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Eagle takes flight

Mamadou Sakho reveals aim to quit Crystal Palace in search for Champions League football

The defender has revealed his plans to play in the Champions League but Roy Hodgson's side sit in 16th place in the Premier League which means a spot in Europe is a long way off

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MAMADOU SAKHO wants to compete against the best in the world and could well leave Crystal Palace to achieve his dreams.

The defender has revealed his plans to play in the Champions League but Roy Hodgson's side sit in 16th place in the Premier League which means a spot in Europe is a long way off.
Sakho has made it clear that he has dreams of playing in the Champions League, which is likely to come as a blow to Palace who are currently sitting in 16th place
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Sakho has made it clear that he has dreams of playing in the Champions League, which is likely to come as a blow to Palace who are currently sitting in 16th placeCredit: Rex Features

News of Sakho's plans is likely to come as a blow to Palace, who have provided the centre-back with plenty of opportunities to shine.

While the ex-Liverpool defender has found his feet in south London, and earned a recall to the French national team as a result, his ambitions could mean that he doesn't stick around for long.

Speaking to RMC, he said: "I've always been ambitious, and I've worked to reach the highest levels of football since I was a trainee. Today my ambition remains the same.

"I want to play in the biggest competitions possible. If I said otherwise that would tell you that I lack ambition, and that I am happy with what I've got. Why shouldn't the Champions League be on my mind?"
Although he is enjoying himself at Palace, the defender wants to compete with the best in Europe
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Although he is enjoying himself at Palace, the defender wants to compete with the best in EuropeCredit: Rex Features

The 28-year-old claimed he opted to stay with Palace this summer instead of moving to European sides who had Champions League places.

But he will reconsider his position at the end of the season.

Sakho added: "Ask any Crystal Palace player and they will tell you the same thing.

"A footballer's aim is to play in the biggest tournaments for the best clubs.  If that isn't the case you might as well play video games instead.
Former Liverpool players Suarez and Sakho appeared for their respective countries earlier this week- it was the French international's first appearance for his country in three years
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Former Liverpool players Suarez and Sakho appeared for their respective countries earlier this week- it was the French international's first appearance for his country in three yearsCredit: Reuters

"During the summer there were various roads I could have taken - to clubs in Spain, Italy and France - but I opted to stay in England.

"I don't regret it.  When I take a decision I put my head down and go flat out until the end, and I am proud to have made my choice.

"But I will take stock of my situation at the end of the season."

Sahko has played 40 times for the Eagles, and scored once, but he may be sidelined for their clash against Manchester United this weekend.

The centre-back suffered a back injury while making his first international appearance for France since 2015.
Mamadou Sakho misses sitter for Crystal Palace against Newcastle
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