Former English international Michael Owen claims in a new book that a hopeless rejection from Liverpool pushed him towards Manchester United.
In Simon Hughes’ new book Ring of Fire about 21st century Liverpool players, Michael Owen has revealed that ever since the day he left Anfield for Real Madrid in 2003, he had been desperate to somehow find his way back to the Reds, according to reports in the Mirror.
According to the English player, he initially thought that he would only be spending a year in Spain and that every season after that he would call people up with the request to think of a way in which he could return.
That annual break wasn’t meant to be. When he did leave Real Madrid in 2005, it was only a move to Newcastle. In that particular contract, there was a clause which stated that he could move to Liverpool after a year for £12 million. However, despite repeated attempts, he could not make it back to Anfield.
Interesting stuff from Michael Owen… (no, seriously) https://t.co/ZpkFH4r3BN pic.twitter.com/EjpsFYz3B8
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) September 5, 2016
Owen confessed that he would call Jamie Callagher every summer to find out if something could be worked out. Referring to the subject of these conversations, Owen quoted himself as saying, ‘”Does Rafa want me?” I’d say. “Does Kenny want me? Does Brendan want me?”
It was circumstance that stopped it happening. Whenever I was available, Liverpool had too many strikers. And when Liverpool wanted me, I was injured. By the end, I wasn’t the player I had been before and they simply didn’t fancy me. I wasn’t good enough.’
One of the strongest possibilities that came up for him to return to Liverpool was in 2009 when his contract with Newcastle expired and the club was relegated.
While Everton, Hull City, and Manchester United had all shown interest in the player, his own inclinations were towards Liverpool. However, Rafa Benitez did not want him and it was then that he was compelled to join ranks with the arch-rivals Manchester United.
Be that as it may, this revelation comes at a time when many Liverpool fans have expressed their annoyance at him being made an international ambassador for Liverpool FC. Thus, these confessions can also be seen as an attempt to return to the fans’ good books, and the same was reflected on Twitter.
Michael Owen trying to get back in #LFC fans’ good books? https://t.co/QUPJ0P2Mhi
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) September 5, 2016
