Michael Owen was just signed by Real Madrid for £8 million, he wanted Champions League glory and did not believe that Liverpool under new manager Rafa Benitez could win the cup.
Like many Liverpool supporters I was gutted when I heard the news, I had been a big fan of Owen from the first game he had ever played in the Red shirt. His F.A. Cup final performance of 2001 will never be forgotten neither will his goal scoring tally of 158.
Rafa invested the 8 million wisely, he brought in Xabi Alonso & Luis Garcia and thanks to Michael Owen’s departure Liverpool would make history as both Xabi & Luis were instrumental in bringing the Champions Cup home for the 5th time in May of 2005. I am sure that Michael was kicking himself when he saw former Academy mates Steven Gerrard & Jamie Carragher lifting the cup on that night in Istanbul.
Michael’s Spanish adventure did not last very long and in the Summer of 2005 he returned to the Premiership and joined Newcastle for £16 million. He had almost returned to Liverpool until Newcastle joined the chase and the price went up. Liverpool of course did not want to pay double the money they had sold him just 12 months earlier.
So Michael went to Newcastle but he has been plagued by injuries and only made 71 appearances in 4 years at St. James’ Park. In the 2008/09 season Newcastle were relegated and Owen is currently without a contract so he destined to move.
Now the rumours surrounding Owen have him signing with local rival Everton, Aston Villa, Hull or even possibly back to Liverpool on a pay-per-play basis.
I would welcome Owen back to Liverpool however many Liverpool fans still have not forgiven him for walking away to find a “bigger club”. I tend to remember the great goals he scored for our club and especially that F.A. Cup victory over Arsenal.
Y.N.W.A. and good luck Michael.
July 3rd,2009 :
Since I wrote the article above Owen has joined Manure so unfortunately he has lost my support too. Crossing over to the dark side is inexcusable.