Michael Owen will always remember his time at Liverpool with a fonder heart when he reflects on his controversial career that later took him to Newcastle and Manchester
Liverpool's Michael Owen celebrates his goal in the 2001 FA Cup final with Emile Heskey, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler
Michael Owen is adamant his heart will always lie with Liverpool(Image: Colin Lane/Getty Images)
Michael Owen confessed that his heart remains with Liverpool, despite going on to play for their Premier League rivals Newcastle and Manchester United. The former Ballon d'Or winner reflected on his career in the top flight and expressed regret over not leaving a more significant legacy in Merseyside.
As reigning Premier League champions Liverpool prepare to visit Newcastle on Monday evening, the encounter between the two sides has an added edge. Alexander Isak continues to be a controversial talking point following a public statement expressing his desire to seek a transfer to Anfield.
The Swedish striker is yet to feature for Eddie Howe's side this season and is training separately from the main squad due to his isolation. Newcastle swiftly responded with a statement of their own, denying that a transfer agreement was in place between the club and player after they turned down an initial £110million offer from Arne Slot's team earlier in the summer.
Now, all eyes are set on Monday's clash, as Isak's present club and his potential future club go head-to-head. One ex-Premier League star who understands the complexities of club loyalty and fan dissatisfaction is Owen, who represented both teams at different stages of his career.
However, the former Red has claimed his heart will always remain with Liverpool - despite playing for Newcastle, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Stoke City. Speaking to The Mail in 2021, the 45-year-old said: "Well, I'm absolutely fine at both [Anfield and Old Trafford].
"I'm respected at Man United; the derby winner, Champions League hat-trick, goal in a cup final. It's not like I'm one of their own, we know that, but there's mutual respect and good memories.
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.
Owen ran down his contract at Liverpool to join Real Madrid in 2004
"But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it's in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits.
"It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout, 'You Manc,' but I can put it in a box. It doesn't stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra (Jamie Carragher) or Stevie (Steven Gerrard)."
Owen, who secured a Premier League crown under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2010, finds himself a divisive figure around the country. At Liverpool, he won the prestigious Ballon d'Or while also securing numerous domestic trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Charity Shield, but his departure to Real Madrid in 2004 after letting his contract run down sparked backlash on Merseyside.
His time on Tyneside, meanwhile, was blighted by injuries. He arrived as a club record £16m signing in 2005 but started just 58 Premier League games, scoring 26 goals, in four years before leaving for Manchester as a free agent.
In the current era, Isak boasts only the Carabao Cup amongst his honours, though he's assisted Newcastle in qualifying for Champions League football via their league standing - and his absence has been telling.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with the trophy during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England.
Isak helped fire Newcastle to their first major trophy in 70 years
However, Owen has previously refrained from criticising the young forward, instead urging people to consider how they would feel if the roles of club and player were reversed. Speaking to Chronicle Live via 247Bet, he said: "He's laid his cards on the table, hasn't he? It's quite clear that he wants to move. Whether Newcastle fans would forgive and forget is a big question.
"I don't know. I mean, he's done exceptionally well for them, you know, they've won a trophy, they're into the Champions League. He's done his side of the bargain quite clearly by his statement.
"He feels like that's enough and that they've had previous chats which suggest that he's almost not free to leave but, you know, if certain things were done then he might be free to go, but it doesn't seem like Newcastle are playing that game."
He added: "This whole scenario is an interesting one because nine times out of 10 when a move comes about it's normally a club forcing a player and nobody's bothered, nobody says anything despite any kids that are in school or any families that have settled in an area or anything else like that.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) arrives for the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on December 07, 2023 in Liverpool, England.
The Swedish striker has been out in the cold
"Nobody cares really about a footballer. But when it's on the other foot, it's really interesting to see that everybody, you know, the whole world goes into meltdown and how dare somebody try and force a move through? I'm not going to sit here and criticise Isak.
"I wouldn't have done that myself in terms of the actions he's taken, but I do get that he's a great player that wants to get to the top of his game and he's obviously not being allowed the move that he's desperate for. And you get one short career and he's wanting to join probably the best team in the world at the moment.
"I get it from his point of view. It's just a sad situation when it's played out in the world's press and he's obviously not coming out well, let's say, from a reputation point of view."
Liverpool visit St James' Park on Monday evening in the Premier League in a game that is sure to have some added spice. Kick-off is at 8pm.