Louis Saha suffered a hugely frustrating time under Sir Alex Ferguson after a long list of injuries halted his progress, but the Everton striker is now recapturing the form that prompted the Manchester United boss to pay Fulham £12.5 million for his services.
The 31-year-old has been back to something like his best for the
Toffees this season, with seven goals already, but it has come to light that his dark days at Old Trafford actually made him seriously consider hanging up his boots.
Such was
Saha’s disappointment at missing out on the Champions League final against
Chelsea in Moscow in 2008 he called his father to reveal his depression meant he had come to the end of his tether.
“Louis phoned me when I was on holiday. He had just injured a hamstring at the end of a training session and it was the final straw for him,” said Vincent Saha.
“His knees, for once, had left him in peace but another injury had cropped up elsewhere. He was disgusted and wanted to pack everything in. It was very, very difficult to persuade him to keep going.”
But a move to Everton and a return to full fitness had rejuvenated Saha’s career, and he said: “I can laugh now when I look back at the problems I had, but it’s true to say I was a depressive.
“I was aware there was unease among my United teammates and the fans every time I made a comeback. They were worried I would have a relapse and I was even more concerned than they were.
“But I have made a miraculous recovery. The fact that I am still out there on the pitch after 23 injuries in four years proves I am mentally strong. My goals are now the most important thing to me.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
Despite Saha’s impressive recent form, Sir Alex insists he has no regrets about allowing the player to enjoy a fresh start at Goodison Park.
“I am really happy for him because he’s a terrific player with plenty of ability. He’s almost the complete centre forward – two-footed, good in the air, quick, aggressive, powerful and with a marvellous shot,” said the
United boss.
"But he picked up too many injuries here and that made it frustrating for him and for us.”
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