Interview: Louis Saha on Cristiano Ronaldo's pain, Marcus Rashford's price tag and blood sucking leeches

Several high profile players chose to finish their careers at a much lower level compared to where they began. Not Louis Saha. The former Manchester United striker has only played club football at the highest level.

Whether it was Ligue 1 club Metz where he began his career, aged 19 or Serie A outfit, Lazio where he ended it, aged 34, the Frenchman always tested himself against the very best in the game.

Currently in Mumbai for a Manchester United fan event, Saha spoke to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview, during which he touched upon a wide range of topics. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

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Do you remember the days in the build-up to your transfer from Fulham to Manchester United?

Yes, it was a tricky transfer, I was caught in the fire because I wanted to join United but Fulham wanted to increase the price so it was a bit difficult. With the agents and the club staff involved, it's not easy.

As a player you want to concentrate on football, during the last two days (before the transfer), I knew something was going to happen. You just have to make sure it all goes through properly.

One week before, I knew that I will play for United but I still played a league cup match for Fulham when I knew that I have a greater chance to win the competition with Manchester United. But as a professional, I wanted to give all for my club.

Is it true you once used blood sucking leeches to recover from a knee injury?

(Smiles) Yes, I was desperate to find a solution because my knee had a bad reaction, it was always swollen a lot. So my grandmother and my aunty (live in Guadeloupe, France) asked me to do this natural thing.

That insect has a special effect when it bites you. I said okay let's try because I was desperate to play and it had an effect, it sucked out the bad blood. I am not saying it's something that's proven.

Would you be surprised if Real Madrid or Barcelona bid €100 million for Marcus Rashford in three years?

Yeah, why not? He is improving a lot and as a player, he is very direct. Barcelona signed Dembele recently, so they like those type of players.

I won't be surprised if it happens because he is a very talented player. I always hope these young guys at United will remain here like the class of '92. I hope he remains at United for the rest of his career, Rashford can do that.

Was Cristiano Ronaldo very reclusive off the pitch? He seems that way. You've spent four years with him.

Ronaldo was always very sure about his abilities. Off the pitch, he was always very discreet and he is not any different right now. He always takes care of his family and makes sure that he is only focused on his game.

I don't think he does a lot of activities apart from some commercials. He is a very focused lad.

When he came to United at 17, he had only one target, to be the best player in the world. In life, you always have to be sure about what makes you happy. When you have that target, you only focus on it. Whatever pain or disturbance he had, he never cared about it.

What kind of music did the players at Manchester United listen to in the dressing room during your time?

We used to listen to all kinds of music. Of course, we never let guys like Gary Neville chose the music! We listened to a lot of RnB, House music, Michael Jackson. Anything that could motivate us.

Do teammates need to be friends for the club to perform well on the pitch?

You have to get along with pretty much everyone but you don't have to go and eat at a restaurant with them every day.

It's not necessary to be good friends with your teammates. You have to work well and gel together, competition is always healthy. I don't have many friends in football and it never impacted my career.