He had been at Liverpool since signing professional terms on his 17th birthday. He was their top marksman, their prolific finisher, their goal-getter. Thus, it was certainly a hammer blow and a shock when their 158-goal striker packed his bag and departed for Spain in an £8 million deal in the summer of 2004. Not even the part-exchange of Antonio Nunez could soften the blow. If anything, his profligacy would just make it worse.
''I am so proud to be wearing the number 11 shirt and Id like to thank everyone for making me so welcome here. I would like to say a special thank you for being given the opportunity to play for the best team in the world. - Michael Owen, August 2004.
There had been rumours over Owens future, with contract negotiations having stalled, and with only a year left to run on his deal. However, it was still a surreal moment to see the 24 year old finally leave the club where he had made his name, and especially to sign for a team who were already boasting a plethora of world-class attacking options. Where was the English no.9 going to fit in, when the squad already had the likes of Ronaldo, Raul and Fernando Morientes among their ranks? As it happens, he didnt last too long at the Bernabeu, and swiftly pleaded for a return to Anfield the following summer. By then, however, that door had been slammed shut.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
