Michael Owen spent three years at Manchester United, winning the Premier League and League Cup, but admits he felt "embarrassed" by his displays for the Red Devils
Michael Owen speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents
Michael Owen spoke about his struggles in the second half of his career
(Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Michael Owen admits he was “embarrassed” by his performance levels at Manchester United compared to his prime years.
The former England striker opened up to former Red Devils team-mate Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Presents podcast about struggling mentally with his decline during the second half of his career, which he admitted was “killing him inside”.
Owen exploded onto the Premier League stage as a 17-year-old at Liverpool, swiftly making his mark with his blistering pace behind defences and ruthless finishing. He claimed the division's golden boot prize in his first two full seasons before making his mark on the international stage with a stunning strike against Argentina aged 18 at the World Cup 1998.
Following his crucial contribution to Liverpool's historic Treble of the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup in 2001, which saw him claim the Ballon d'Or, he secured a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2004.
Owen played in La Liga for just one season before his £16.8million move to Newcastle, where recurring muscular injuries meant he was absent for extended spells over the next four campaigns in the North East. His fitness woes persisted at Manchester United and later Stoke City, with the forward deciding to hang up his boots in 2013.
The 45-year-old was recently asked by Ferdinand about the drop off from going from an elite environment to one that isn’t. But Owen instead chose to reflect on his own career, explaining that he sees it in two distinct halves: before and after his injury problems.
Michael Owen of Liverpool scores during the FA Carling Premiership match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on May 5, 2001 in Liverpool, England.
Michael Owen was scintillating for Liverpool
Owen said: “Well, I've said before, I mean, I sort of split my career into two. Almost Liverpool and maybe Madrid. And then afterwards, because I just wasn't the same. Not that I didn't like it. I loved it at United. I love you and the lads and whatever.
“But I'm not me. I'm not me. You know what I was when I was 18. And you know what I was when I was 30. It's like, I was half embarrassed. I'm coming out, they've been to these big stadiums, St James' Park, Old Trafford, with my name on my back.
“It's like, can I not just change my name and just think of something, like call me something else? I don't want people to remember me like this. Still good, still scoring. But I'm not what I was. It's killing me. But it's like, what can you do?”
During his time at Liverpool, Owen scored more than 20 goals in all competitions in every season except two. After netting 16 times in 45 appearances for Real Madrid, his numbers plummeted dramatically as injuries piled up and his once lightning-fast pace began to wane.
Manchester United's English forward Michael Owen reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England on December 12, 2009.
Owen didn't want fans to remember him for the second half of his career
Reflecting on his time at Newcastle, Man United and Stoke, he openly admitted: “I had it for eight years, when I'm thinking, ‘I don't like this.’ I was looking at the clock half of my career, thinking only 20 minutes. And I could still score. I could still play well.
“I couldn't rip a team's heart out anymore. I could just finish if I get the opportunity. I'm relying on everyone else now. Whereas I used to be able to, I didn't need anyone else. Just give me the ball and I'll do it. And that change of mentality.
“I didn't retire because of my body. I still played in a game the other day. I retired because my mind was about to explode. And I couldn't have it anymore that I was just a Premier League player.”
Despite not living up to his own high standards, Owen's stint at Manchester United saw him finally win the Premier League trophy in the 2010/11 season, as well as another League Cup. He ended his career with an impressive tally of 222 goals in 482 matches, along with 40 goals in 89 England caps.
Listen to the full Rio Meets Michael Owen interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.