Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has revealed the heartbreaking conversation that ended his Old Trafford career, describing how missing the 2008 Champions League final convinced him his time at the club was over.
The Agonising Decision to Leave Manchester United
Louis Saha enjoyed considerable success during his four-and-a-half year stint at Manchester United, scoring 42 goals in 124 appearances and helping secure two Premier League titles. However, the French international's final moments at the club were marked by profound disappointment that ultimately led to his departure.
Champions League Final Heartbreak
Saha was absent from the matchday squad for United's dramatic 2008 Champions League final victory over Chelsea in Moscow, a decision that left the striker devastated. This exclusion came just two years after he missed France's 2006 World Cup final through suspension, creating what Saha described as a religious crisis of confidence.
"It was the worst," Saha told FourFourTwo in 2019. "I'd worked really hard to come back from injury, and I'd also learned from my mistake at the World Cup. It took me four or five years to realise how painful it was."
The forward explained how the emotional impact only became clear when he attempted to articulate his feelings while writing his autobiography. "When I finally tried to explain how it felt, I realised how much damage it did to my confidence," he revealed.
The Conversation That Ended His United Career
Following his Champions League final disappointment, Saha approached manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a difficult request. "It was after missing that final that I talked to the manager and said, 'I need to leave,'" Saha recalled.
The striker described the experience as uniquely painful, stating: "It became very religious for me when I missed the Champions League final as well [as the World Cup final]. I thought, 'Why has God given me these platforms to perform, but then taken it away from me?' It was the first time I ever cried about football. I couldn't bear it – I was in pain for two or three weeks."
Life After Manchester United
Everton Move and Continued Career
That summer, Saha completed a transfer to Everton, where he spent three-and-a-half productive seasons. The Frenchman scored 35 times in 115 appearances for the Toffees, including an early goal in their 2009 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.
Reflecting on his departure from United, Saha maintained respect for his former manager. "It was the right move at the right moment for me," he said. "I loved Manchester United - I had a lot of injuries but the manager was always there for me. He taught me to be loyal and have respect. Those things remain within me today."
After his Everton spell, Saha enjoyed stints at Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, and Lazio before retiring from professional football in 2013.
Remarkable Business Success
Since hanging up his boots, the 47-year-old has achieved extraordinary success in the business world. As CEO of AxisStars, a company he co-founded with Katie Hamer, Saha has built substantial wealth estimated at around £4.3 billion.
The enterprise facilitates connections between professional athletes, entertainers, and trusted partners, working with more than 500 former sports stars. A profile on the AxisStars website explains: "Since hanging up his boots, Louis has moved into the world of business where he has used his experience to develop propositions to support athletes and other people in the public eye, in their careers."
Saha's Manchester United Legacy
Louis Saha initially joined Manchester United from Fulham in January 2004, making an immediate impact under Sir Alex Ferguson. The striker scored seven times in twelve league appearances during the remainder of his debut campaign, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite.
His move to Old Trafford came after impressive form at Fulham, where his 27 goals helped secure Premier League promotion in 2001. At the beginning of the 2003/04 season, Saha had found the net thirteen times in twenty-one league appearances, prompting United to secure his services.
Despite the painful end to his United career, Saha's contribution to the club's success during his tenure remains significant, with his goals playing a crucial role in two Premier League title victories during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
