Michael O-Who?

When Michael Owen decided to bail out after Rafael Benitez took reign in 2004, he thought that he was ready to move on and have a glittering career elsewhere and become a legendary striker. Not that he was short of confidence and resume to back that. 118 goals in 216 appearances for Liverpool is a helluva return for a striker. Many of the fans, me included, was disappointed at his decision.

5 years from now, Owen found himself in a relegation threaten club and not being in the first eleven. Alan Shearer, his former England partner and now his manager decided that he warm the bench against his old club. Injury prone and not scoring for 4 months now, he is a forlorn figure in the world of football.























Owen: Yo Stevie, would ya mind putting some gud words in front of Rafa for me? I think I need to come back here. Desperately. Please?

The usual reception for former Liverpool players who served them well are warm applauses and chants for their contribution. Owen got none of that. In fact, he barely even leaves the bench for warm ups. Probably got scared of the fans taunting him: "Where were you in Istanbul?" (Note: Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 in Istanbul, one year after Owen's departure.)

Such was the degree of obscurity of a teenage protege that once strutted the Anfield ground in free-flow goal scoring spirit. In a harsher tone, its probably what he deserved for deserting the club he loves in the first place.