In 2001, Robbie Fowler left Liverpool for Leeds in a surprising £11 million deal, marking a departure from the club where he was affectionately known as ‘God.’
Despite his prolific goal-scoring history at Anfield, injuries and managerial changes led to his decline, and he found himself behind players like Michael Owen in the pecking order.
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Fowler’s move to Leeds, who aspired to be top contenders in the Champions League and Premier League, didn’t bring the anticipated success.
Financial troubles at Leeds saw him transfer to Manchester City within 18 months. Fowler, although respectable in his performances, didn’t seem to fit in at these clubs, prompting reflections on what might have been if he had stayed at Liverpool.
In 2005, as Liverpool celebrated Champions League success, Fowler, almost 30, looked back on his time at Anfield as a closed chapter.
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However, Liverpool, struggling for goals in the 2005/06 season, unexpectedly re-signed Fowler in early 2006. Despite it not being a long-term solution, his return re-energized the squad and pleased the fans.
Robbie Fowler regrets
Fowler, expressing joy akin to “a kid on Christmas morning,” acknowledged his regrets about leaving Liverpool in 2001.
The second coming of ‘God’ wasn’t as prolific as his first, but it was a heartwarming and unexpected transfer that brought closure to an unfulfilled departure years earlier.
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Fowler’s return allowed Anfield to address the initial exit properly, and he left the field to a rapturous reception in May 2007, providing a fairytale ending to his Anfield journey.
“Since I have left, deep down I have always wanted to come back and it has been a long time but I’m glad to say I’m back now.
Leaving was probably one of my biggest regrets I have had in football.
I’m chuffed to bits. I mean, I can’t really believe it’s happened again so I’m ecstatic to be honest.
One of my biggest regrets in football is that, in my last match before I left, I was taken off at half-time against Sunderland and never really had a chance to say goodbye,”
Said Fowler.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
