Saha: I almost quit over injuries - striker despair over United jinx

07 October 2009 22:42
Louis Saha has admitted he almost quit football after being driven to the depths of despair by an injury jinx that wrecked his Manchester United career.[LNB] The Everton striker, 31, has been in prime form this season, with seven goals so far, but a run of mishaps that kept him out of United's Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow left him wondering whether to carry on.[LNB] Back for good: Louis Saha has been in prime form this season[LNB] Van der Sar to the rescue for Man United after Fergie's row with FosterMan United and Liverpool target Shawcross in talks to sign new Stoke dealEverton kid Baxter bailed after arrest for possession of drugs and fake cash His father, Vincent, revealed how close depression came to curtailing his playing days, saying: '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. His knees had, for once, left him in peace, but another injury had cropped up elsewhere.[LNB] [LNB]  'He was disgusted and wanted to pack everything in. It was very, very difficult to persuade him to keep going.'[LNB] Saha described how his injuries at Old Trafford created a mental barrier that was cleared only when he joined Everton last year.[LNB] 'I can laugh now when I look back at the problems I had, but it's true to say I was a depressive,' he said.[LNB] 'I was aware there was unease among my team-mates and the United fans every time I made a comeback.[LNB]'They were worried I would have a relapse, and I was even moreconcerned than they were. But I have made a miraculous recovery. Thefact that I'm still out there on the pitch after 23 injuries in fouryears proves I'm mentally strong.[LNB]'My goals are now the most important thing to me, and I'm just happy tobe able to train like the other players and feel the same way as theydo.'[LNB] Bad run: Louis Saha suffered 23 injuries in four years at United[LNB] Despite Saha's form and fitness, Sir Alex Ferguson insisted there was no regrets about sanctioning his transfer. 'I'm really happy for him because he is a terrific player with plenty of ability,' said the United boss. 'He's almost the complete centre forward - two-footed, good in the air, quick, aggressive, powerful and with a marvellous shot - but he picked up too many injuries, and that made it frustrating for him and for us.' [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People:Alex Ferguson, Louis Saha

Source: Daily_Mail