Naby Sarr says he never wanted to quit Charlton. 

Sarr, who signed for a seven-figure fee from Sporting Lisbon in 2015, endured a disastrous debut season at the Valley, which ended in relegation.

The defender was loaned out to French club Red Star for the 2016/17 campaign with his Addicks future in serious doubt.

However, on his return to Charlton in the summer, manager Karl Robinson gave Sarr a chance to revive his career.

And he grabbed it.

The ex-France Under-21 international has featured 13 times this season, winning fans over with his impressive displays.

Sarr never gave up hope of being a Charlton success after his torrid start.

He said: “I wanted to come back because two years ago, my year here wasn't good.

“I wanted to come back and prove to everybody that I can play in this team.

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Naby Sarr | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

“My desire was to stay in England. I went on loan in France, and I had left my parents three or four years ago so it was good for me to get closer to them for one year and then come back here.

“I wanted to come back stronger, try to play and prove that I’ve changed from two years ago.

“Every footballer doesn't like to play badly. We had the relegation so it was a tough period. But in the tough period you have to take the good and learn from it.”

Sarr played in France and Portugal before joining the Addicks on a five-year deal.

He struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Championship and made just 12 league appearances.

And despite playing more regularly at Red Star, they dropped out of Ligue 2 making it back-to-back relegations for the 24-year-old.

He added: “I had to adapt to the Championship because I was in Portugal and France before so it’s totally different football.

“I had to take the [first] year to adapt and learn. Even though it went badly, I learned a lot.

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“My year at Red Star gave me a lot of games. So when I came back here, it was better for me. It was bad for me two years ago but also beneficial.”

Sarr, who has Champions League and Europa League experience, is now part of a Charlton team gunning for a return to the Championship.

The Addicks are fourth with two games in hand in League One.

Sarr said: “Every footballer wants to play and win games and that’s what I’m doing.

“The gaffer gave me my chance, I’ve taken it. Now I’m very happy and I hope it continues.

“The objective is to get promoted. Charlton do not deserve to play in League One, it’s at least a Championship club.”