Mamadou Sakho is enjoying life under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Mamadou Sakho says he never considered leaving Liverpool before Jurgen Klopp took over as manager, despite being left out by former boss Brendan Rodgers.

However, Sakho acknowledged that his fortunes had changed under Klopp, helping him to return to the France squad for their upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Russia.

The former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back had begun the 2015-16 season out of the Liverpool team when Rodgers preferred Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel at centre-back, and his international prospects suffered, leaving him relieved to be back in the France fold.

"Yes, it's nice to be in the selection," Sakho told RMC. "With the coach at Liverpool, it goes differently for me. In football, a lot can happen off the field. The most important thing is to stay focused, serious.

"The former coach [Rodgers] made the choice. I have accepted. I always remained myself, smiling in training."

Sakho praised Klopp's impact at Anfield but, when asked whether he had been unhappy at the club before the German's arrival in October, Sakho said: "Honestly, no.

"I still feel good at Liverpool. When I was in France I didn't gauge the real impact of this club and its history. Once you've set foot inside, it's fabulous.

"The atmosphere is healthy. The team is young and talented. Honestly, I really like it in this city, with its supporters and magnificent stadium. I'm someone who likes stability -- it suits me perfectly."

The 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool from PSG in 2013, said Klopp was "really close to his players and all the members of the club."

He added: "He's very genuine. When you see him you think he's very expressive but, like he said to us from the start, it's not really to be nasty with us. On the contrary, it's to encourage us."