Former Newcastle United striker Louis Saha says Alan Shearer was ‘like a big brother’

Former Newcastle United striker Louis Saha says Alan Shearer was ‘like a big brother’ during his time at the club.

Saha arrived at St James’ Park on loan from Metz in the second half of the 1998/99 season and made 12 appearances, including six starts, during which he bagged two goals.

After Newcastle United he played for Fulham and Manchester United, as well as making 20 appearances for France.

Speaking on the William Hill website, he said: “I fell in love with the Premier League when I went to Newcastle, I fell in love with the culture as well. I couldn’t understand the Geordie accent, but I loved it anyway."

Saha was just starting his career when he had his spell at Newcastle and says he learned a lot from the likes of Alan Shearer.

He said: " was a legend of England, the Newcastle captain, an amazing player and he acted like a big brother to me.

“He helped me understand the philosophy, to be relaxed on the pitch, to understand the connection with the fans and the tradition of the club.

“I also remember Dietmar Hamann, Gary Speed - they were so important, they all made me feel very comfortable at the club and in the Premier League.”

However, his time at Newcastle was during the Ruud Gullit years, and one of his big disappointments was missing out on a place in the 1999 FA Cup final team.

Saha said: “Missing the FA Cup final for Newcastle was tough. I was young, but I understood. I understood why Duncan Ferguson replaced me, so I took it on the chin.

“But I was eager to have my own story. I wanted to come back. I wanted to be in FA Cup finals, I wanted to be in Champions League finals.

“It was all foundations for my growth. I’ve never had any regrets over that. Frustration maybe, but no regrets.”

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