A stalwart of the English Premier League with nearly 300 appearances for six different clubs, Louis Saha was a potent striker on his day. Supported by his poor parents when young, we take a look at some of the top quotes about Louis Saha.
Starting his career in France, Saha made a name for himself by helping the first division side Fulham to gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season there with 27 goals.
Having impressed in his team’s brilliant victory over Manchester United a few months earlier, he was signed up by Alex Ferguson in 2004. Marred by frequent injuries during his time at Old Trafford, Saha nevertheless had a successful time in his five seasons with the club, with two League titles and one Champions League victory.
He was a regular for the Merseyside club, Everton, and also represented Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland in a few games before retiring in 2013 with Italian side Lazio.
Despite only playing 20 times for the French national team, including an appearance at the 2006 World Cup, Saha was named by England and United star Wayne Rooney as one of his best strike partners.
Capable of scoring multi-goals in matches, Saha broke the record for the fastest goal in FA Cup final history when he struck after just 25 seconds for Everton in the 2009 decider against Chelsea. From the game’s first attack he booted in with a left-foot shot.
“If you look at the genuine front players in the Premiership, Louis is as good as anyone…..he can handle the responsibility of leading our attack. He is an excellent footballer. He is quick, has two good feet and is good in the air. His goal ratio is terrific. I don’t see any problems with him at all.”
Alex Ferguson
“…..I’m going to say Louis Saha. He was a fantastic player; a real handful for anyone and I just really enjoyed playing off him. He was so lively, a real striker who made great runs in behind and who was always making space for others.”
Wayne Rooney (former Manchester United team-mate)
“I like Louis. He is bright, sharp, got good movement and I think he’ll do well for us.”
Harry Redknapp (Tottenham Hotspur manager)
“My former United team-mate Louis Saha, now at Everton of course, is my toughest opponent. He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s aggressive, he hits the ball cleanly with both feet and he’s great in the air. If I was building a prototype of a perfect number 9 then I’d look to Louis.”
Rio Ferdinand
“Louis is a very good signing. I have known him since he was 17 and he has great ability. I am sure he will follow the success of his contemporaries Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. I believe he will be a very good player in the First Division and has the right qualities to be a success in the Premiership.”
Jean Tigana (Fulham manager)
“I could not have come through everything without the aid of Louis…..He is my idol and I have to thank him for helping with the miracle that is me playing again…..I looked up to Louis…..I think he will finish above everyone as top scorer in the Premiership this season. He is a magnificent athlete.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United player)
“He’s got unbelievable pace and a great touch and if teams are playing tight and pushing up we can just get the ball over the top and he’s on to it in a flash. The only problem is we can’t keep up with him.”
Lee Clark (Fulham midfielder)
“Louis is a young and exciting talent and has made incredible progress…..We have got a young and gifted centre forward…..Louis has different types of qualities.”
Alex Ferguson (Manchester United manager)
“…..there’s no doubt there’s a very, very talented footballer there…..Everybody I’ve spoken to has told me that…..”
David Moyes (Everton manager)
“…..But Louis does more for the team in the sense of his physical presence, his speed, the fact he is two-footed and good in the air. There are a lot of things about Louis.”
Alex Ferguson
“…..look at the make-up of what he has got, he is a quick player, he has got a good touch, is good in the air, can hold the ball up, is creative, has good awareness and most importantly he can score goals.”
Frank Stapleton (former Manchester United player)
“He can do a bit of everything, he can run, head it, and he can link play up…..There is no doubt he is a fantastically talented player…..there is no doubt he is a very good player and adds qualities that we will need.”
David Moyes
“Louis is a striker whose abilities have been proven at the very highest level and he brings with him a raft of experience of top-flight football.”
Martin O’Neill (Sunderland manager)