Once the most prolific striker in Europe, Michael Owen struggled massively with injuries since departing Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 2004. Joining the Galacticos meant even when fit the lightning-quick forward was limited to cameo appearances. Still, with more than one in three for Real Madrid (13 in 36), coming mainly from the bench, Newcastle fans had a reason to be hopeful. Upon being unveiled in front of a 20,000 strong crowd at St. James' Park , Owen went as far as to verbally promise the fans goals. You could be forgiven for thinking Owen spent only a season or two at Newcastle, but he was in fact a squad member from 2005 to 2009. Much of this time scrap that; most of this time was spent running up medical bills while lying on the treatment table. After 26 goals in 71 appearances, instead of rewarding Newcastle for their loyalty when he finally seemed over his injuries, he left on a free for Manchester United.
