Former England international Michael Owen is one of the fewest players who have played for arch-nemesis, Liverpool and Manchester United.
The English striker had a phenomenal career and was undoubtedly one of the finest strikers of his generation.
The pacey 5 foot 8 striker started his senior career at the Merseyside as he graduated from the youth academy.
Owen was one of the few players who scored in their debut game as he registered his name on the scoresheet in 1997.
However, the biggest shock for every Liverpool fan came when the forward decided to return to England to join Manchester United in 2009 after his stint at Real Madrid.
The transfer move received many backlashes as the Anfield icon was labelled a ‘traitor’ for joining archrivals Red Devils. The player himself admitted about how he felt after joining United.
“Well, I’m absolutely fine at both. I’m respected at Man United; the derby winner, Champions League hat-trick, goal in a cup final. It’s not like I’m one of their own, we know that, but there’s mutual respect and good memories,”
he told the Daily Mail in 2021.
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In the light of the Red’s recent FA Cup defeat against Eric Ten Hag’s side, the story of Micheal Owen becomes relevant as he has represented both sides.
Owen continued to explain his sentiment in the same interview by saying,
“But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it’s in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits.
It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout, ‘You Manc’, but I can put it in a box. It doesn’t stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra (Jamie Carragher) or Stevie (Steven Gerrard).
They won the Champions League the season I left. I wanted my mates to win, absolutely, but part of me was gutted, ‘God, that could have been me’. I have to accept that. It was my decision to leave.”
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In the ever-changing world of football, these things happen regularly. Even though emotions play a bigger role in the game, decisions of the players regarding their careers should be respected by the fans.
An ardent football fan and a proud Red. I take immense pleasure in analyzing the intricacies of the game.
