Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Michael Owen of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Liverpool and Leeds at Anfield on October 25, 2003 in Liverpool, England.

He was still a teenager but he was the focal point in attack for one of the biggest clubs in the world and he had become a star for the England national team.

It was around this time that one of the stories of his career would pop up in the shape of injuries, particularly to his hamstring.

For a player that the hallmark of his game was running by and away from defenders, it was not a smooth transition.

Perhaps the peak of his time with Liverpool was the 2000-01 season that saw the Reds win a cup treble by capturing the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

He said;

“They might be able to afford Ronaldo, but they cannot afford Michael Owen.

That is astonishing to think about as Owen was one of the best forwards in the world and had been Liverpool’s top scorer in every season he was there.

One of the biggest reasons the fee was so low was Owen had let his contract run down to its final year, leaving the Reds in a tough spot.

Owen would not have much success at Real as he was mainly used as a substitute while Liverpool won the 2005 Champions League.

Perhaps sensing his mistake, he requested a move back to Anfield.

Liverpool were willing to bring him back on a modest fee, but Newcastle United came from left field with an £18 million offer that Real Madrid could not refuse.

It was reported that Owen called Liverpool to ask them to up their offer but the club wanted him to simply tell Real he would go nowhere but Anfield.

Oddly, he did not do this and made the move to St.

This situation was an example of why so many Reds fans have a bitter taste in their mouth when Michael Owen is brought up in conversation.

It seemed the name on the back of the jersey came before the badge on the front.

He made 79 appearances for Newcastle scoring 30 goals before they were stunningly relegated to the Championship.

At this time, Owen became a free agent and amid rumors that he once again wanted a return to Liverpool, his team sent out a “Michael Owen Brochure” trying to sell him to potential clubs.

However, Rafa Benitez decided to go a different direction.

As a result, Owen joined arch rivals Manchester United on a free transfer.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.