The Arsenal goalkeeper's reluctance to face the media has become something of a running joke throughout the tournament - the request politely made and the request politely declined.
So it was interesting that Seaman chose to bare his soul, or at least attempt to, before breaking down in tears.
Seaman's own devastation was mirrored in the eyes of men like Michael Owen, his only consolation coming with the knowledge that his time will come again.
For England, there was the disappointment of knowing they had glory within their grasp and let it slip.
In the end, England were not good enough to beat Brazil - not a crime and not a cause for condemnation, simply a fact of football life.
Brazil had too many tricks up their sleeve for England, too much greatness in their team.
England talked about power and pace, but one sentence from Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari summed up why he is plotting for a semi-final and Sven-Goran Eriksson has flown home.
He said: "England may have pace - but no-one can run quicker than the ball."
A brilliantly simple assessment of why Brazil won and England lost. England can learn vital lessons from this World Cup - and take hope for the future.