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Liverpool give defender Mamadou Sakho new long-term deal

Liverpool have announced that defender Mamadou Sakho has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Sakho moved to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 and wore the captain's armband for the first time in Thursday's UEFA Europa League draw in Bordeaux.

The 25-year-old told Liverpool's website: "I am very happy to sign a long-term contract with Liverpool because, as I've always said, I am very happy here and my family are happy in Liverpool.

`"It is important for me because every day when I wake up, I am very happy to come into the training ground with all the players."

The news will be welcomed by under-pressure Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who said Sakho was in contention to start in Sunday's Premier League clash with Norwich.

#LFC are delighted to confirm @mamadousakho3 has signed a new long-term contract with the club pic.twitter.com/LgYPlkz0fH

The defender said: "I am a Liverpool soldier and when Liverpool need me, I try to give my best. I am happy to stay as a Scouser!"

Speaking before the news was formally announced, Rodgers said Sakho "is really working hard on his fitness and his game and I think you have seen the benefits of that.

"He was left out of the last France squad and you can go one of two ways -- you can sulk, or you can put your head down and work even harder, and that is what he has done.

"I think you can see that in his performance last night. I thought he was brilliant in the game and that is what we want, so he has certainly brought himself into contention for the weekend."