Louis Saha has revealed that he suffered a family bereavement in the week of Everton’s 2009 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, explaining why the loss at Wembley affected him so deeply.
The former Everton striker returned to Goodison Park this week to take part in the Game4Hope charity match, raising money for Shelter and Everton in the Community.
Saha scored after just 25 seconds against Chelsea at Wembley in May 2009, giving David Moyes’ side a remarkable early lead.
Didier Drogba equalised before half-time, and Frank Lampard scored Chelsea’s winner in the second half, leaving Everton one victory short of their first major trophy since 1995.
More than 17 years later, Saha has explained why that afternoon remains particularly painful.
Saha reveals heartbreak behind 2009 FA Cup final
Speaking during his return to Goodison, Saha admitted how difficult he found the aftermath of the defeat.
“I was so down after the final. I was so down.”
The former France international had experienced major disappointments elsewhere in his career, but said Everton’s defeat affected him differently because of what was happening in his personal life at the time.
“I think I missed the World Cup [with France]. I missed the Champions League final [with Man Utd], but to miss this [winning this] trophy was really a heartbreak for me.
“I really, I felt it even more in my bones because I lost my family member in that week. I felt like it was very, very difficult to digest.”
His comments, reported in the Liverpool Echo’s interview with Saha, add a deeply personal context to one of the defining matches of Moyes’ first spell as Everton manager.
Goodison return brings back memories for Saha
Saha was back at his former home for Game4Hope, which brought together former players and other familiar faces in aid of Shelter and Everton in the Community.
Team Merseyside beat the Rest of the World 3–2 at Goodison, although for Saha the occasion also offered the chance to return to a ground where he spent three-and-a-half years as an Everton player.
“It’s enormous, I have great memories, great support from the fans.”
Saha also recalled discovering the strength of Goodison’s atmosphere before he became an Everton player.
“It’s a special part of the world. People don’t understand the Merseyside spirit.”
He remembered one visit with Manchester United in particular.
“I remember coming with Manchester United, and I had this amazing first half, and the manager destroyed me at half-time because he knew what was coming, the Goodison spirit and Everton managed to come back.
“It was a great game, and a great way for understanding the spirit.”
Saha eventually crossed from Old Trafford to Goodison in 2008 and became a regular part of Moyes’ side.
Saha wanted to become part of Everton history
Saha made 115 appearances for Everton and scored 35 goals before leaving the club in 2012. None came more quickly or on a bigger stage than his strike against Chelsea at Wembley.
His goal after 25 seconds remains the fastest in FA Cup final history, but Everton couldn’t turn that extraordinary start into the trophy Saha wanted.
“So I have this memory where I wanted to be part of this [club’s] history. We didn’t really make it, but I’m very, very happy to be here.”
His return formed part of the Game4Hope event at Goodison Park, with the old stadium hosting another special occasion away from first-team football.
Saha’s 25-second goal remains part of Everton’s FA Cup history. His account of the personal loss he suffered during that same week explains why the result that followed has stayed with him for very different reasons.
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