I was shocked to hear the news that my former team mate Louis Saha has decided to retire.

Louis I wish you a happy retirement. You were my favourite striking partner. You had it all. You were good in the air, had two quick feet and most important of all an eye for goal.

It was such a shame that a terrific player like you picked up, so many injuries later on in your career. Your hamstrings unfortunately held you back. However, the Fulham fans will always remember you as a club legend.

You were a key player for the club scoring 64 goals in 144 games, which is no mean feat. 

Fulham bought you for £2.1 million and later sold you on to Manchester United for £12.8 million.

Louis you clearly paid back your transfer fee and left the club in a healthier state than when you arrived. 

Enjoy your retirement you have earned it.

A new chapter is set to begin this year at Fulham, as Shahid Khan takes over from Mohamed Al Fayed.

It is testament to what Mr Fayed did for the club that he now felt able to walk away from Craven Cottage.

You’re always going to get changes in football - it’s inevitable. He took Fulham to the highest point by making them a stable Premier League club.

Mr Khan has now taken over the mantle and let’s hope he steers Fulham onto the next level.

My old team travel to Sunderland on the opening day and I’m confident we will get the three points.

However, we must play to our strengths and keep the crowd quiet for the first 20 minutes.

Their manager Paolo Di Canio will have his players fired up from the first to last whistle.

Sunderland have a massive following and their fans will come out in force to cheer on their team.

If we keep the ball and create plenty of chances for both Dimitar Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz then we will win the game. 

Sunderland has always been a memorable fixture for me.

I scored my first ever Premier League goal for Fulham against the Black Cats. I remember coming off the bench and scoring in a tight match. We went on to win 2-0. It was a brilliant feeling and I was proud to play a part in Fulham’s first win in the Premier League.

Barry Hayles was speaking to Lewis Deakin.