I have very mixed feeling about Michael Owen, as some people are probably aware.
I was never , and am still not convinced by the popular view of how he left in the first place.
I think it suits some in the in the Owen v Fowler debate, or as it should be billed local supremely talented scally v clean cut professional from fairly privileged background.
I think we are now all a little more aware of how Rafa thinks than we were at the time, so this may not sound as daft as it once did.
I am convinced that Michael was given a helping nudge out of the door to Real Madrid by Rafa.
Owen had let his contract run down and at the time there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Geds future , and I think Owen wanted to keep his options open as, one, it gave him some influence in matters (don't forget at the time he was as influential over matters as Torres and Gerrard are now) and secondly he could get off if needs be.
At the time of Rafa arriving and Owen going Real were in the midst of one of their presidential competitions. The sitting powers saw Morientes as expendable and Rafa always wanted him. On one hand Rafa had a Cisse being forced on him and Michael Owen who was being seen as slightly fractious, and on the other a Spanish player who he always thought highly of.
Sadly for Rafa, and Owen, more or less as soon as Rafa made his feelings known to Owen that days were over that he would be guaranteed being the first name on the team sheet and perhaps he should listen to what Real were saying, the Rafa hierarchy changed and the incoming powers saw Morientes as part of the future again, by this time Owen had already seen the dark side of Rafa and got off.
Where I do think Owen let himself and us down were his two subsequent Moves.
I am convinced had he shown more bottle (and perhaps a little more encouragement from Rafa), he could have ended back here instead of his ludicrous signing for Newcastle, even if it meant spending another half season in Spain.
The United signing was one of desparation and one that it sound to me like he really regrets and know he made a cardinal sin on doing.
However at the time given the choice between the options of thinking that the only option was a relegation fodder team to have United appear from nowhere and offer you a lifeline to the top echelons of the Premiership, it was an understandable decision, but as I said one that would come back to bite him in the arse.
Michael Owen has always looked after Michael Owen, and that it fair enough, remember this though, Owen ,like Gerrard, did when he was at his pomp, dragged us single handedly through many many games and during those times his efforts and loyalty were without question.
For that and that alone he deserves more respect than hearing a large handfull of plebs booing him at a charity testimonial at Anfield.
regards
