“I agreed to leave Newcastle for Liverpool – now both sets of fans boo me everywhere I go”

Michael Owen has opened up about his career and the backlash he faced from both Liverpool and Newcastle United fans.

Michael Owen’s career reached its peak during his time at Liverpool, where he scored 158 goals in 297 games and won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 at just 22. However, his departure to Real Madrid marked a turning point. After a single season with the Spanish giants, Owen returned to the Premier League, joining Newcastle United—a move he hoped would eventually lead him back to Liverpool.

Owen had included a clause in his Newcastle contract allowing him to rejoin Liverpool, but the deal never materialized. His time at St. James’ Park was marred by injuries and ended with Newcastle’s relegation. As a free agent, Owen made a controversial move to Manchester United, Liverpool’s fierce rivals. This decision further alienated fans on both Tyneside and Merseyside, with supporters of both clubs routinely booing him during matches.

Reflecting on his career, Owen acknowledged the loss of love from Liverpool fans. He told *The Telegraph*: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid, I lost control of my career and how it was perceived. I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I’m not loved back. I only go when I’m working. For a long time, I felt I had to bury my head when visiting friends at the academy, but I’ve since realized I shouldn’t have felt that way.”

Owen believes the animosity started before his Manchester United move, during his time at Newcastle. “There was resentment from Liverpool fans when I played for Newcastle,” he explained. “Even though I had a clause to re-sign for Liverpool every summer, when I returned to Anfield as a Newcastle player, I faced boos. That hurt me and those close to me, as they understood the reality of the situation.”

Owen spent four seasons with Newcastle, scoring 30 goals in 79 matches, before netting 17 goals in 52 games for Manchester United. He ended his career at Stoke City in 2013, but the legacy of his controversial career moves continues to shape his relationship with fans.