The Athletic’s Simon Hughes recently wrote a piece regarding the former Liverpool star Michael Owen. The striker left Anfield in 2004 to join the Spanish giants Real Madrid in a deal reportedly worth £10.8m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk) but since his departure, he has not always been a popular figure amongst the club’s fans.
That is largely down to the fact he went on to play for Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson after a spell with Newcastle United. However, Hughes’ piece seeks to highlight what a talented player the former England striker was prior to his injury troubles – he did win the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and deservedly so. Now the dust has settled, how do the supporters look back on Owen’s career?
People forget he won the Ballon D’or… he was sensational up to that injury!!!
— John Harpur (@JohnHarpur1) April 12, 2020
I lost all respect for him after the move to utd but I have to say the podcast with carra changed my mind with him. His career just lead him there and I think he still sees himself as a red now. Regardless of the haters, he was incredible for LFC once!
— Kevin Sullivan (@Sully71) April 12, 2020
@matthewsmyth01 snake
— Cathal Martin (@cathal_martin2) April 12, 2020
Have you ever forgiven Michael Owen for signing with Manchester United?
Yes
No
No Michael, no
— Chop Chops (@ChopChops3) April 12, 2020
Gone and forgotten. Cry me a river Michael. Not my ambassador
— Brewster’s millions (@ChampionsOfEng) April 12, 2020
Never to be forgiven
— Matthew Smyth (@matthewsmyth01) April 12, 2020
What do we think?
It’s safe to say that some fans still feel betrayed, which could be down to his move to bitter rivals Manchester United. However, Owen still provided supporters with many memorable moments and scored 158 goals for the club. In particular, the 2001 FA Cup final where his brace versus Arsenal turned the game on its head and earned his side the coveted trophy.