Louis Saha has now admitted that he is “happy” that Sir Alex Ferguson brought one “amazing” Manchester United cult hero to Old Trafford as his replacement.
The 46-year-old former Manchester United striker was signed from Fulham in a £12.8m deal in 2004 after impressing former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Louis Saha was at Old Trafford for four seasons under Ferguson and the Frenchman netted 42 times in 124 appearances for the Red Devils.
The ex-Fulham attacker was thought of highly by his former United teammates, including Rio Ferdinand dropping huge praise on Saha’s natural talent in the past.
During his time at United, Saha lifted two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and a League Cup before his Red Devils exit in 2008.
Saha’s spell at the Red Devils was curtailed by injuries and the former United star left Old Trafford and went on to sign for Everton.
Saha on Man Utd hero under Ferguson
Following his spell with Everton, Louis Saha went on to play for Tottenham, Sunderland and Lazio before he called it time on his playing career in 2013.
Speaking to The Athletic, the former Everton striker admitted that he knew his Manchester United career was done after he missed the Champions League final.
Saha left Old Trafford ahead of the arrival of United cult hero Dimitar Berbatov, who was brought to the Red Devils by Sir Alex Ferguson on deadline day in 2008.
United splashed out a deal worth £30.75m to sign Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham at the time, with Manchester City even linked with the former Spurs striker.
Berbatov spent four seasons at Old Trafford and the 44-year-old Bulgarian forward lifted two Premier League titles and a League Cup with United.
Saha praised the “amazing” Berbatov, who scored 56 times in 149 appearances for United, for taking his place at the Red Devils after his departure to Everton.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking [leaving United]. That feeling will never leave me,” he said.
“I left the club because I felt like I couldn’t give that kind of guarantee that this club needs for a No 9.
“Someone that should represent the kind of link for those two players to grow. I could not play those 15-20 game minimums (per league season).
“It was really, really strange. When I missed the Champions League final, I couldn’t see myself being in that position again.
“So I asked to go and it was really against my desire, almost. I wanted to stay for life but the club grew. If I remember, Dimitar Berbatov took my place. I was happy because this player was amazing.”
Saha talks about his footballing legacy
Saha admitted that his hope is to be remembered as an “honest player” and he deeply respects “every fanbase” that watched him play during his time at their clubs.
When asked about how he should be remembered, he said: “As an honest player.
“Honesty, in terms of quality but also I always wanted to give my best. I never cheated. I never wanted people to think badly of me in some way.
“I am really respectful of every club I played for. I respect every fanbase, even if I don’t speak to them directly.
“I love my industry so much that I sacrificed a lot to improve it. I really do a lot now to improve the experience of every player, but every fan as well.”
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