No. 84 – The Day Michael Owen Left Liverpool

The images of Michael Owen holding up Real Madrids Number 11 shirt alongside Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano at his unveiling by the Spanish club following his move from Liverpool are still fresh in many supporters minds.

On Saturday 14th August 2004, news quickly spread that Liverpool had agreed a fee for Michael Owen from Real Madrid. The terms of the deal for Owen fell well short of Liverpool’s initial valuation of the striker but with just one year left on his Liverpool contract, Liverpool accepted an £8m plus Atonio Nunez offer. Just days earlier Owen had been left on the bench for Liverpool’s Champions League game against Graz AK which sparked many rumours of his imminent departure.

Here, TIA Forum member Scrummie recalls the Day Michael Owen left Liverpool to join Real Madrid….

‘œWhen Owen wasn’t involved in the UEFA Champions League Qualifier against Graz AK in August 2004, the worst possible scenario crossed the mind of most Liverpool fans. Rafa Benitez had just taken over the role of manager of Liverpool Football Club but Owen decided not to sign an extension and left Liverpool for the gloss and glamour of Real Madrid just a few days before the 04/05 season began against Spurs.

After over 150 goals and countless man of the match performances, Michael Owen bade farewell to Liverpool for £8m and little known winger Antonio Nunez. The old adage of the grass isn’t always greener on the other side was undoubtedly on the lips of the vast majority of Liverpool fans’.

Many fans were disappointed with the way Owen, and the precise amount he left for. Whilst Owen may not have left on amicable terms, one thing is certain, he was a goal scoring machine throughout his Liverpool career.’

Since 1998, Michael had been Liverpool’s top scorer every season until he joined Real Madrid in August 2004. Michael left Liverpool having scoring an impressive 158 goals in 297 first team games.

Click here to read ‘˜Ex Reds Remembered – Michael Owen’. Profile by Ste Speed.