I believed Michael Owen when he said he would sign a new contract. I believed him when he said he loved playing for Liverpool, was settled in the area and respected the coaching staff. I also believed him when he said he wouldnt leave on a Bosman. The latter statement led me to believe he wouldnt do the dirty on the lcub who gave him the platform to become the player he is. A club who invested many hours on the training pitch and nurtured him into a star. A club who sacrificed their own good, to ensure he remained injury free, by resting him when the need arose. A club who have had to do without Owen for large portions of the last three or four seasons due to hamstring injuries et al. A club who backed him 100% even though he went through a couple of barren spells a season. And also when he couldnt score from the penalty spot.
I wrongly believed Owen because he was only looking after himself. We may have gotten £8m for him but that is peanuts compared to what we should have got. Real Madrid could sell Owen next summer, having recouped their £8m in commercialised sales on the back of his name, for around £20m. Why should a club who gave Owen nothing, who provided nothing towards his upbringing as a footballer make the most from selling him?
Owen was also willing to take a pay cut and relinquish his commercial rights. He never once afforded Liverpool this luxury. I for one can only assume he was that desperate to play for Real Madrid he would have agreed to pay them for the privelage. Something many scousers would do to have the honour of wearing that famous Liverpool shirt and play for the club. Michael Owen has given himself away the past few weeks. I for one always lamented the fact he was never afforded the same respect that Fowler got. I could never truly understand why his name was never sung with the same pride and passion.
Well Liverpool supporters it would seem are no mugs. At least the majority arent. I fell into the trap of believing in Owen. Many didnt. Many saw through him and could see he was only out for himself. He put himself and his own career first. He put England first. Michael Owen couldnt wait to get out of Anfield. Robbie Fowler had to be well and truly pushed through the Shankly gates. I couldnt understand why there was such a difference between the love the Kop had for two great players. Well now I know. The Kop could read Michael Owen like a book. They knew deep down he wasnt one of them. For that reason they couldnt accept him fully.
Michael Owen has tarnished his reputation in my eyes. I will be forever grateful for what he gave us during his time here. I will remember fondly the goals he scored in the FA Cup final. I will remember how he ripped Roma apart in their own back yard. I will remember him rubbing his hands with delight having just scored a suberb third in a 4-1 win over Newcastle. There are so many good memories. And for them I thank him. But Michael was well rewarded for those moments let not forget that fact. In those moments he earned the vast sums of money that I, as a season ticket holder, helped contribute to. But I also remember the lengthy periods he was injured. I also remember the long barren spells. And also the penalty misses. And during those times he was still very well rewarded.
Michael Owen got far more from Liverpool FC than he gave back. Many would disagree, which is their right, but I dont think Owen has repaid the time, effort and sacrifice Liverpool FC gave to him. A few goals in finals and £8m doesnt even come close. I will never believe a players words again. I will never hold a player in hero status anymore. Michael Owen has contributed to this and for that I find it hard to forgive him for.
