It has been over 20 years since Michael Owen moved to Real Madrid. He was sold at a bargain price due to his contract situation, and the Spanish giant only had to pay eight million pounds plus reserve player Antonio Nunez for one of Liverpool’s most valuable players.
Owen has never been loved by the supporters since then, and has to endure snide remarks both when he is at Anfield and on social media every time he is visible. He knows that he is viewed differently by the fans compared to a player like Steven Gerrard.
– I do not feel welcome or loved, and it hurts a lot. That’s why I try to avoid it, the former goalscorer said in an interview with The Athletic before Liverpool’s match against Real Madrid.
It’s not that he regrets the transfer and having played for the world’s biggest club, but he would have liked a different relationship with the club he truly cares about.
– Real Madrid is glamour, but I never had any thoughts or dreams about playing for them. When I heard about their interest, I had mixed feelings. I was proud that a club like that was interested in me. It was exciting, and I went back and forth for almost a week from the moment I first heard about it until I decided to go.
– I spoke with the manager and with Rick Parry, and it was like, ‘let’s agree that I go for a year or two, and then I’ll come back.’ Subconsciously, that was what I needed, confirmation. I really didn’t want to go, because Liverpool was my club, but I also wondered if I would regret it if I didn’t try, he says.
– It can be different once you have left.
Now it is Trent Alexander-Arnold who is in his situation. He is constantly being linked to Real Madrid, which wants to sign him for free as a Bosman player next summer. So far, Alexander-Arnold has not been able to reach an agreement with Liverpool on a new contract.
He is also a player who has been at the club since he was a youngster. Steve McManaman is another who used to be in that position. One of Liverpool’s best and most important players, who left for free without the Reds getting anything in return. He had success in Madrid but has never had the same relationship with his old club and the supporters.
Owen talks about Alexander-Arnold’s situation.
– Once you have moved on once, and it’s no longer as everyone expects that you will never move again, you become almost a sellable asset. I never grew up wanting to play for Real Madrid, but it is an honor that I did. I grew up wanting to play for Liverpool.
– When you leave, you lose the absolute connection that you once had with your club, and you become marketable. You lose that glue you once had, going from contract to contract because you no longer play for the team you support. You are just a player trying to do well for a specific club. Climbing the ranks in a club means more than that.
Liverpool – Real Madrid will be played on Wednesday at 21:00 and will be shown on TV 2 Sport Premium and TV 2 Play.
How has Michael Owen’s relationship with Liverpool fans evolved after his move to Real Madrid?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special interview where we delve deep into the career and reflections of a football icon. Today, we have with us Michael Owen, former Liverpool star and Real Madrid player. Michael, thank you for joining us.
Michael Owen: Thanks for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: It has been over two decades since your transfer to Real Madrid, and it seems that the feelings surrounding that move are still very much alive today. You’ve expressed not feeling welcome or loved by the Liverpool supporters. Can you share a bit more about that experience?
Owen: It’s difficult, to be honest. Football is such an emotional sport, and while I achieved a dream by playing for Real Madrid, there’s always been a part of me that feels disconnected from Liverpool. It’s painful to face snide remarks when I’m at Anfield or even when I’m online.
Editor: That must be incredibly challenging for you, considering how much you accomplished during your time at Liverpool. What do you think led to that disconnect with the fans?
Owen: I think it stems from the circumstances of my departure. I was sold at a price that reflected my contract situation rather than my value to the club. The fans had a deep connection with players like Steven Gerrard, and unfortunately, I never quite reached that level of affection. I know I’m not seen the same way, and that hurts.
Editor: You mentioned that you took a while to decide on the move to Real Madrid. What were those mixed feelings like?
Owen: It was a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, the interest from a club like Real Madrid was thrilling; it’s the biggest club in the world. But subconsciously, I felt torn. Liverpool was and still is my club. I remember discussing with the manager and Rick Parry about maybe coming back after a year or two. But I was also concerned I might regret not taking the chance.
Editor: Looking back now, do you have any regrets about the transfer?
Owen: Not about playing for Real Madrid. It was a huge honour and a fantastic experience. But I do wish the situation had been different. Ideally, I would have liked to maintain a more positive relationship with Liverpool. I never wanted to be viewed as a traitor or someone who didn’t care.
Editor: How did your time at Real Madrid shape your career and your identity as a player?
Owen: It undoubtedly enhanced my profile as a player. You learn so much at clubs like Madrid, both on and off the pitch. However, every time my career is discussed, Liverpool is still at the forefront because of the love I have for the club. The conflicting feelings remain; the glamour of Madrid was incredible, but my heart has always been with Liverpool.
Editor: It’s fascinating how intertwined emotional connections can be with a player’s career. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, what advice would you give to young players regarding transfers and their emotional ties to clubs?
Owen: I would say to carefully consider your emotional ties. Football is a business, and sometimes decisions are made for the sake of progress or financial gain. I’d advise younger players to prioritize their happiness and remember that it’s not just about the glamour or the paycheck but about where they feel they belong.
Editor: Wise words, Michael. Thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that your love for Liverpool remains strong, and your experience serves as a valuable lesson for both fans and players alike.
Owen: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to talk about my experiences in football.