After 12 months of irregular football he realised that a move back to the Premiership would be needed if he wanted to ensure a place in England's World Cup squad.
He stated his desire to return to Anfield but a bigger bid from Newcastle United meant a move to St James' Park instead, to the disappointment of many Liverpool fans.
As Jamie Carragher said, "Hopefully he'll get a good reception because he deserves that, he was a great player for the club.
"But we've moved on and Michael's moved on. I know people will make a lot about his return but he doesn't play for Liverpool."
As long as he doesn't score I don't really care.