Michael Owen has sparked debate among Liverpool supporters by boldly claiming he considers himself a “legend” of the Merseyside club, despite controversy surrounding his move to Manchester United in 2009. The move has left many Liverpool fans Reds unhappy, and Owen’s remarks may not help heal this rift.
The striker, originally from Chester, began his footballing journey with Liverpool aged just 12, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the late 1990s. Owen burst onto the scene in the 1998 season, replacing Robbie Fowler, injured, and winning the Premier League Golden Boot at the end of the season under Roy Evans. An incredible hat-trick in 2001 followed, crowning him with the prestigious Ballon d’Or. However, his journey took a turn when he left for Real Madrid in 2004. After a brief spell in Spain, he returned to English Football, joining Newcastle United.
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However, it was his subsequent move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United that truly irked Liverpool supporters. Reflecting on his legacy with the Reds during an interview with BBC Sport, Owen, now 45, responded to the question of whether he considers himself a Liverpool legend with a smile, stating unambiguously: ” In my eyes? Yes!” Owen’s confidence in his position could raise raised eyebrows among the Anfield faithful.
His time at Old Trafford, although marked by winning just one Premier League title, was not without its challenges, particularly during confrontations with his former club. “I didn’t like playing Liverpool,” he confessed candidly, struggling with the mixed emotions of representing a club many Liverpool fans consider their biggest rival. “I signed for Manchester United and loved my time there. But I could have signed for Everton! I would have been hated no matter what I did.”
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Interestingly, Owen’s discomfort was not isolated to his days at United; he also felt the pressure when he returned to Anfield with Newcastle. “Forget it was Manchester United. I hated coming back to Anfield with Newcastle too. I just didn’t like playing for another team against Liverpool,” he explained, reflecting on the weight of his loyalties.
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Owen has previously expressed regret over his move to St James’ Park, a decision he now believes was somewhat ill-advised. In his autobiography, ‘Reboot – My Life, My Time’, he said: “I should have followed my instinct. I didn’t want to go to Newcastle – my heart was set on a return to Liverpool. From a point of view Professionally, there was no doubt in my mind that a move to the North East was a step backwards. As unpleasant as it may seem to Newcastle fans, that’s essentially how I felt.
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