The Michael Owen interview: Liverpool, Manchester United & arguments

[@mannydosu2657]

People really have short memories - this lad was a legend by 23, no need to hate first half of his career was electric and goals to game ratio is up there

[@zephergaming4437]

He was unplayable for three years, other than that he was bang average mate. You’ve got a short memory, this is the same professional footballer that said he’d look for positions on the pitch so that it looked like he was trying but his team mates wouldn’t pass to him because it was a bad position. He is absolutely no different to Adriano or ballotelli

[@cjjohnson353]

@@zephergaming4437 you don't get world player of the year for nothing

[@Killerboss-bg8fi]

@@zephergaming4437 So was Ronaldinho unplayable for 3 years and people still love him. Owen was clearly much better than Balotelli, who couldn't hack it in the prem. Newcastle Owen is probably comparable to Balotelli.

[@wrighj]

@@zephergaming4437 bang average ? You're obviously a kid who has no clue what they're on about

[@goncaloamaral7846]

One of the best big game players. Scored on so many big occasions

[@seanr521]

Newstalk are lashing out quality interviews lately. The Keane interview with Neville and this. Good job, enjoyed them 👍🔥🔥🔥👏

[@SJMJ91]

My main memories of Owen: Argentina goal, FA Cup Final, Ballon D'Or, 5-1 game against Germany, World Cup injury in 2006 and his last minute goal for United against City.

[@Gerardoxn92]

Si no se hubiera lesionado contra Suecia en ese mundial Inglaterra hubiera llegado más lejos

[@GergelAni]

Michael was an amazing goalscorer. Always such a pleasure to watch him. Nevermind which team, he was always full of positive energy and loads of beautiful goals. Thank you, Michael 👍👍👍

[@Timekeeper1200]

I think a lot of people forget just how good Michael Owen Was

[@robertpirsig5011]

He was world class at one stage.

[@rohithraman6488]

Same, people only remember him for his comical commentary

[@VoiceOfThe]

100%. A prime Michael Owen was wanted by all the big clubs.

[@yippyialeftside8351]

Rat and a money Grabbing weazle

[@danielishere734]

People getting on the bandwagon against Owen. He was an excellent player and not a bad person.

[@BuGGzLoVeRsTech]

The people slating Owen might wanna look at them selves a little closer, its as if none of them have done f all wrong in there life. He was a class act on and off the pitch.

[@yafai5502]

He would won uefa champion league with Barcelona but he is join to Real Madrid, same goes David Beckham

[@hotrodd29]

Nah I’m not jumping on the bandwagon I’ve never liked him. Didn’t like him since I first met him back in 1996. In fact the evidence is there, it’s very rare that a player isn’t loved by any of the fans at any of the clubs he played for. Also he’s got no real friendship with any pros he played with. Michael is a passive aggressive a quiet braggart. Don’t get me wrong There are worse guys than him. Michael just isn’t likeable he’s hard work.

[@Red-tm1bs]

Trust me, I've met the guy once at a railway station and sat behind him in a restaurant on top of that as well where he was a little worse for wear but got the jist of some of his conversation. He may not be a bad person but he's certainly not a nice person. Anyone can look and sound charming in a one to one interview but in reality the person that walks down the street can be very different. Michael Owen literally is the epitome of that famous phrase "never meet your heroes". I don't think I've ever been one for getting starstruck but when I saw him on the train I was really excited! I'd watched him play live for years!!, but his conduct when I simply said " hello Mr Owen" was shocking and nothing short of arrogant and just reeked of someone who believed their own press. I would rather cross the street now.

[@ekonamare7219]

@@Red-tm1bs what did he say to you?

[@MrLbott]

That period between 1998-2003, possibly 2004. This guy was electric. Movement, composure, clinical finishing... wow! Just class. I believe the move to Madrid did steer him away, as he was bought as a galactico, and in his words, made him think he was 10% better than he was. I was buzzing when signed for castle, seeing him and Shearer playing together again... but obviously wasn't all that well. I'm four years younger and seen your career from start to finish. Thanks for the memories.

[@sr-vn7qw]

Simon Phoenix 1996-2002 was his best years

[@MrLbott]

@@sr-vn7qw cant really say I saw him play in '96 mate. But I'll take your word for it. 👍

[@thiefoftomorrow]

He’s was finished as an absolute top player before he went to Madrid. Injury ruined him. So sad. Classic example of absolute pace kills

[@MrLbott]

Thanks, @@thiefoftomorrow

[@Shifytee123]

I mostly agree. But he was bought for £8m by Madrid. He was not touted as a galactico, merely a stand by for the constantly injured/unfit Ronaldo.

[@tonyt765]

I always remember and could never understand why people called him boring when his star was brighter then any player in world football at 18-19; he had the world at his feet with all the trappings, power and adulation that comes with that, yet he wanted to be out of the limelight! How many of us would make the same call at that age? To me he's a fascinating man and when he said "throughout my childhood i knew i was the way out for my parents" that reveals a lot about the man he grew into.

[@ashleyburns6752]

Growing up in England late 90s and early 2000s, this guy was a superstar. I remember the Michael Owen football game (basically just a ball and goal) at our school feight every year. Also that ad where his mom washes his clothes. One of my favorite players as a kid alongside Henry, Viera, Ronaldinho, Beckham, Edgar Davids, Cafu etc.

[@martyngowerton932]

Just wanna say nice work to off the ball, decent interviews latley, calm audience members. Up the Irish. Just wanna say Keane,Neville and now Owen, you guys are on a roll... SAF NEXT!!! 😂 Or Shearer!

[@samtrickett5993]

I’m sure it’s all true but hearing Owen say how fun he was and all mischief he got up too reminds of Theresa May talking about running through wheat fields

[@gavb9816]

The way he said he "got up to mischief "! lets you know everything! a grown man doesn't use words like that. He seems full of regret as well.leaving Liverpool the summer before they won the CL. He wasted his career, he wasnt loved at Real,Toon or UTD. Now hes ruined his legacy at anfield by playing for UTD. tens of millions softens the blow you think

[@Augeio-b4d]

I want Michael James Owen books

[@soccerplayer1033]

Michael Owen is an absolute world class player, no argument.

[@judasgoat4230]

On The Ball is providing EXCELLENT content!

[@Papertrailband]

Look at Nathan Murphy's eyes glazing over at 10:28 as MO blathers on about how brilliant he was. Class.

[@typhoontim125]

Great in depth interview!! Well done to both!!

[@jaspercasper9195]

Well done he’s 13! Classic

[@shane-irish]

Just listened too his book on audio nothing but respect for him

[@SJMJ91]

Sad, really, that the first thing that'll come to mind when you think of Michael Owen will be the book controversy, not his achievements and memories like Ballon D'Or winner, FA Cup Final win, his hat trick against Germany in 5-1 win and his unbelievable goal against Argentina.

[@PaulMorrisseyIRL]

Fantastic interview, great job Nathan!

[@andrewhyde4708]

This is a really good interview. Great questions and Michael is quite open and engaging.

[@Jack_B_guin_87]

Any who says 'what mischief I was up to' is probably the most boring man alive

[@BuGGzLoVeRsTech]

Id give that one to you mate with that name.

[@samshongwe]

😂 that to be fair is exactly what I thought! I heard him say it and I was like, "how do you do fellow kids; I too am a kid who does cool things."

[@twotales7337]

Probably used to run through fields of wheat... rascal.

[@flammenjc]

You know people are allowed to be "boring" anyway. You don't have to constantly be an edgy prank lord in the locker room to be a legend or an interesting person.

[@Dave_ja_vu]

Going on the beer with his dad. Getting off the bus and ordering fish and chips. Crazy times

[@ngyonghuei6577]

A true professional and one of my Liverpool legend.

[@damiencallaghan9389]

33.33 Alan Shearer - The part you are looking for

[@Dave_ja_vu]

33:33 if people want to click straight to it

[@VoiceOfThe]

People forget a prime Owen at 17-18 years-old was sensational. Just listen to Glenn Hoddle talk about him. He was single handedly winning games for Liverpool ‘97-‘99. Remember the Soccer Saturday pundits covering the live games - Rodney Marsh, Frank McLintock and Phil Thompson - at the time were raving about his pace and finishing! How many other English players won the Ballon D’Or!?

[@owens164]

The man the myth the legend

[@fpl_boyo8018]

Always enjoying listening to Owen talk about his time as a footballer. I do still laugh at the 'he's only 13 reference'.

[@wetqerterterqyer]

As charismatic as you can get, Newcastle legend!

[@necronangeler]

Lmao all you guys hating on Owen tell us how your pro careers are working out..... Yonk 😙 bet your unemployed or stacking shelves in liddell

[@jaspercasper9195]

Good interview

[@cgopie1]

Only Englishman to have won the Ballon d'Or in 40 years, and he did so by finishing ahead of Zidane, Rivaldo, Figo, Raul, Nedved, Shevchenko, Totti, Henry and so on...all of whom were at, or close to their prime. And he absolutely deserved it. If every post-war English striker who ever lived were all at their peaks, only Rooney & Keegan could argue being the best, as he was much better than a peak Lineker or Shearer.

[@davebarlow6457]

One of the best finishers this country has ever had. Amazed at the lack of respect in some of these comments. It's clear injuries were his problem during the latter part of his career , not lack of effort or motivation.

[@ottson]

Was a great player. Played for Real Madrid with Becks. World player of the year. He should enjoy his horses now with no regrets. He deserves it.

[@rogernkosi8420]

@Darth Pepe lol

[@thomasgeorge-gilmore950]

He was actually my favourite England player growing up, in spite of him playing for Liverpool at the time. I myself am a Man United and Wales fan.

[@tessa7582]

Have any of you with disrespectful things to say done anything other than complain and criticise in your life?

[@Gfresh844]

I get your point but he is the one who put himself out there for criticism with what is said in his book.

[@Coolagreen16]

Boy, some real haters on here. They must have amazingly interesting characters - I bet not! Michael Owen is interesting and honest. I also like Alan Shearer, but you know he’s very stubborn about what he thinks in general. In life people fall out and both parties believe they are in the right. It’s unfortunate - that’s life.

[@Onlinesully]

Coolagreen16 Very much agree with you regarding Owen and shearer. Were we as people always saying so much crappy stuff or did social media make it so. Or is it just that social media amplified what was already happening and gave a global platform for kicking each other ?

[@stargazer40]

You are a cool bloke Michael. Great interview...Top player! Up and downs, but top player! Thumbs up! YNWA

[@documax123]

It seems to be the season - and there's a click and watch appetite for it - for reveal all dressing room/backroom football. This could mean that the extent of how much the contemporary football product itself is overblown, in terms if quality and entertainment - is also revealing itself.

[@ew7509]

Best finisher ever never missed before injury totally underrated best there ever was as a teenager

[@alexwood2219]

Now I have to search for the video of him smashing the ball into the crowd at Madrid 🤣🙈

[@GeoZeppelin1979]

whats he on about ronaldos end of career? he played 6 more years after that finishing at CORINTHIANS

[@coletteregan6169]

Remember Michael Owen vs Man City

[@rosserman2501]

I remember the 6-1 vs Man United.

[@chesurechesure]

rosser man remember city winning the champions league.

[@sillwuka]

Gets alot of stick online but I like Owen. Thanks for that goal against City!

[@amaanansari1656]

Someone please explain me how he can play for Liverpool and Manchester United their are rival clubs???

[@SJMJ91]

Paul Ince did too.

[@gm2407]

Only offers made to him after Newcastle were from Everton and Manchester United. Liverpool didn't make an offer. Owen wasn't ready to retire. He made the right choice.

[@regiment589]

Grow up kid. Its his job, its stupid football not some kind of religion.

[@Shenanigan5]

At 27 minutes when Owen is talking about thinking he had put in one of his best performances for Rafa and all Rafa could do is criticise him is very similar to Robbie Keanes story of scoring two, being man of the match and Rafa criticised his performance. Thats when Robbie decide to leave Liverpool.

[@No1Geordie]

Rafa is top class.

[@thomasjones2415]

Rafa Did Not Want Him,

[@gridone769]

Keane should have been given a chance. Could have won the league if we kept him that year.

[@KieranFuller17]

"I wouldn't say that the Brazilians are like us Brits, but they are like us"!

[@Gfresh844]

He's not all bad but his smugness, arrogance and self centered personality is there to be seen. There's no doubt that all the praise he got from such a young age ended up going to his head and made him into someone who lost touch with reality, in terms of staying humble and grounded. That might have been different had others kept his ego in check. That said, he was a truly great player in his Liverpool and Madrid days and it's a shame he became so injury prone.

[@Augeio-b4d]

Michael James Owen with Alan Sherer

[@HHHKingofKings58]

"I'm arrogant and delusional." Thanks for clarifying, Michael.

[@StraitKnopfler]

Say what you want but at least he's honest about his ego. The likes of Shearer are also arrogant and delusional but wouldn't acknowledge it in a million years.

[@liamspivey5106]

He might be a bit of a bell end but fair play to him for planning for the future and setting up a business whilst still playing football . It should be compulsory in football to teach the lads from an early age to invest their money wisely and start their own business or plan for a career after football . Too many footballers retire after a regimented way of life and go straight into having to think for themselves and can’t handle the change and end up broke with an addiction. The F.A or premier league Surely know this is a serious matter. Why do they not do something about it . Do they not care ?

[@BurnsTennis]

I actually saw Owen score his debut goals home and away. Towards the end of 1996/1997 season against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park, he came on as a late sub and scored, but Liverpool lost and the title challenge was over. Then at the beginning of the 1997/98 season he scored, I think it was against Tottenham and he also came on as a sub but a long time ago so hopefully my memory is correct. He was extremely quick! With the natural talent Liverpool had during the mid to late 1990s, they should have done a lot better.

[@james60681]

Was it true that he wouldn't sign a new contract for Newcastle? If so then no wonder Newcastle fans disliked him. He ended up going on a free when out of contact, when they could have got good money for him after relegation... It did seem when he was playing around that time his heart wasn't in it

[@trangthoi8945]

I love you Michael Owen and Manchester United

[@redjacc7581]

Nice one michael, good luck m8.

[@dondamon4669]

One of Englands greatest players ever! He had seven years of being the best. Of course he wasn’t as good later on but everyone has different times of peaking

[@simonsays5986]

It's clear after the watford game where he said he got knocked unconscious and heard the fans negative he checked out of Newcastle for sure. He had no interest playing that Villa game

[@issyjas3309]

Mainstream tv’s loss that he’s on BT, their gain though, he’s become a brilliantly insightful pundit

[@glasgowcelticscelebrityfan2348]

I don't get how he says he thought he impressed rafa when he scored against us? We played Liverpool twice - 1997 (when he scored) roy Evans was the Liverpool manager and - 2003 when gerard houllier was manager.

[@typhoontim125]

It was a pre-season game...He's not lying!

[@glasgowcelticscelebrityfan2348]

@@typhoontim125 can't remember saying he was lying 🤔 dunno where you're getting that from. Do believe i said i didn't get it. Which pre season game was it?

[@typhoontim125]

@@glasgowcelticscelebrityfan2348 Relax! No need to call a solicitor!!!

[@typhoontim125]

@@glasgowcelticscelebrityfan2348 His father has family & friends in Glasgow apparently who are Celtic fans: Michael Owen Quote from 2002: “I’ve got a lot of relatives who all support Celtic, so I tend to follow them,” & “I’ve played against Celtic. What a fantastic atmosphere. I’d love to go back and play against them again.

[@glasgowcelticscelebrityfan2348]

@@typhoontim125 ill ask again what pre season game was this?

[@walterwhite3143]

‘Liverpool Legend’ Michael Owen had to come to United to win the league! GGMU 🔴

[@wrighj]

Lmao you can have him....

[@shanet5604]

Darren Mcclean Trying too hard there,that’s how Fergie was still winning the league 4 years later ?? Shut up !!

[@boocollective6638]

What a bloody, thoroughly, nice bloke

[@ForrestTaft101]

great video guys

[@Snippets635]

My only memory of Owen is playing for united and scoring an hat trick

[@privacyiskey83]

One of the cameras is out of focus.

[@CaptainoftheCs]

What I don’t understand about Owens’ injury story is that if his hamstrings were that bad, how could he pass a medical for two big transfer fees? Surely the buying club would pull him up on this..

[@alexavfclineham7301]

At the time I'm pretty sure Newcastle wanted to make a statement, big gamble but it looked good on them

[@CaptainoftheCs]

Think that’s all it could be mate, but it’s so risky. Sunderland did the same a few seasons ago with a player from inter Milan. It’s transpired this week that they are going to sue the doctor who conducted the medical for 13 mil. Can u imagine?

[@alexavfclineham7301]

@@CaptainoftheCs I think clubs take more gambles than we know, in desperation at the end of a window etc

[@Kakashi2Gaiden]

Because running on a treadmill is different from playing the game with twisting, changing direction at pace

[@rickylovesyou]

@@Kakashi2Gaiden thats not how medicals are assessed champ.

[@FortValance]

Owen was absolutely lethal in his prime. Injuries ruined his career.

[@thejudge-kv2jk]

He really shouldn't have brought this book out. It has really tarnished his already sketchy reputation. I lost most respect when he ended up at United but always recognised the fact he was quality for Liverpool and of course England. He was great when he was younger and then it slides downhill and doesn't appear to have stopped now he's chucking mud around with other ex-professionals. Its quite sad really.

[@matthewsmith7545]

He had a brilliant amount of goals. If your injured your injured and he still did well and made shirt sales near the end. He's got nothing to feel guilty over. Wouldn't you go take a contract in hope you score goals to try.. Maybe he should of left early but he took the hard route and you got to commend him for putting himself in the firing line. He loses both ways. IMAGINE the feeling to losing your main attribute,, pace. All his goals were pace related. That's why he shouldn't of been given the balloon dor. Every little quick player get injury that's major and early. They get picked out for a tackle.

[@dogsbollocksgenius9480]

I do kinda like how honest he is about how arrogant he is, he’s kind of like Carl froch

[@rabbieburns2501]

Young Owen at Liverpool was unplayable at times. He made Fowler look pedestrian. Shame he had so many injuries.

[@wannaseesomestuff]

I preferred him at utd

[@padraig853]

Ryan Tubridy: please watch this, it might give you some idea how to interview a sporting great, giving respect, making it interesting, going through the genuine highs before focusing on the lows. This is a special sportsman. Your interview with him was a pathetic tick list of questions and utterly disrespectful.

[@padraig853]

@jimboslice613 balon d'or winner. Very special achievement.

[@wannaseesomestuff]

Wasting your time here. Getting Tubridy to learn from this would be like expecting a giraffe to learn how to work an iphone from seeing some one show him how to use it

[@delboysilva2677]

the bit that gets me is the bit where he says 'why would you risk for one game to be out for 6 weeks'... well because you needed to get something out that came to stay in the league.... sounds to me like he loves his horses more than his wife and kids

[@warrenfamilyvalues3751]

I remember his goal against Argentina 🇦🇷

[@cococake6803]

I hate all english players and coaches but this guy knows how to score goals

[@josephsmith3133]

He was electric at Liverpool.. His career was basically over at 25

[@tommysanimalplanet5432]

His consistent playing was over but if you look at his goals record it's still decent until his man utd days

[@josephsmith3133]

@Mark Sesum Less than 60 goals in 8 years is not top level.

[@matthewhall2320]

Joseph Smith read it again and have another go 😂

[@josephsmith3133]

@@matthewhall2320 No need

[@shane-irish]

22

[@pedrobarca15]

What a geordie legend! Always welcome back in the North East!!!!😀

[@daveclarke6481]

The number of times he says 'I' is more than a little revealing.

[@cantona7449]

Alan shearer is a right nob anyway. "You are my Solskjaer, my Ole Solskjaer..."

[@BuGGzLoVeRsTech]

Neither of them are nobs.

[@wfmk]

But does he still fly his helicopter over Dubai?

[@jagosingh85]

Finally, just had to go to MU to get an EPL Champions medal for his collection!

[@MrTonycoughlan]

Whatever you need to do and say to sell you book Mikey.

[@griffslonelylectures4686]

Reminds me of John 'Interesting' Major on Spitting Image.

[@josephsmith3133]

Griff's Lonely $ Lectures Yeah he’s very boring

[@paulmcallister8948]

Nice peas Norma! 🤪

[@ChubbyChecker182]

The John Lennon of Football

[@jamstonjulian6947]

His resentment of Beckham is clearly visible.

[@Docdoherty13]

Why? What he was saying is the truth... Beckham was more a star because of his looks and wife...not as much his football..yeah he was a good player...good player,not great player... United fan!?!

[@greendogg83]

@@Docdoherty13 Youre talking bollocks doherty, Beckham was world class, easily one of the best midfielders England ever had.

[@Docdoherty13]

@@greendogg83 world class!? go back to sleep son

[@jamstonjulian6947]

Whether you think he was World Class or not, he performed far better in an England shirt than Gerrard, Scholes and many others. Owen can downplay his skills but you can't downplay his value to that team.

[@Docdoherty13]

@@jamstonjulian6947 but here's the thing...he asked Owen a question and he actually praised Beckham & his contribution but he said all the players were just as important..did you want him to tell lies and say "ohh Beckham was the reason we done so well and we were only average behind him" so by him being honest and never downplaying beckhams contribution you can sense the resentment!? Are you serious...what did u want to hear!?

[@vbitatule]

I love the vulnerability.

[@fortnitesupremacy2525]

Michael is class. Shearer isn’t. End of story

[@zephergaming4437]

Only difference between balotelli, Adriano and Owen is one of them won the Bellen D’or

[@eddiepower3876]

Balon

[@regiment589]

Cry more.

[@thehocuspocus9]

I think michael is just a misunderstood bloke. Not helped by his choice of words when his intention was not really cynical, and, he just so happened to not be a pushover, like he said himself, he’s a stubborn man. Couple all that and you have a person who is easily hated on, especially in this modern society where people jump into conclusions faster than they jump into my wife’s panty. I think he’s what you call a very traditional man. Even his playstyle says so. Not knowing a single keepy uppy trick? Mate you know this guy’s all about efficiency. Regardless, I think he feels he lives in an era where he doesnt belong; born too late where media were constantly on his back and people not appreciating his directness in whatever he does, albeit football or his life.

[@Superfantastictop10]

England fans can be ungrateful. Eg. Wayne Rooney. England's top scorer. Up there with PL top scorers. They remember: got old and slower slightly early.

[@robdean704]

I'm a kopite and I have no problems with Michael signing for the mancs, I don't like it but business is business

[@markcrawfy7790]

Self Centered,Me Me Me.......

[@treblebbb3388]

"I use a swear word in my book" 🙄

[@memyselfandi2506]

I know. Talk about living on the edge

[@samshongwe]

Owen is probably more boring than Milner.

[@thehumblegent]

Once I lit one of my own farts.

[@Madnessd16]

Micky "clear the Air" Owen Forget Joaquin Pheniox MO should of played The Joker

[@MrDunkyg]

I think I believe Alan Shearer

[@thomasjones2415]

Aye Me 2 Mate,

[@misterpete8001]

Shearer was the best

[@jamesjarrett52]

18 months is a long time to be out.

[@benoitcoulier1]

Misunderstood. ....lol

[@thomasjones2415]

He Was Not A Team Player,

[@emanuelphilipo3837]

Nice uncle

[@ChubbyChecker182]

33.25... Interviewer starts talking about Newcastle. ..Micheal starts biting his nails.

[@ianreed9063]

Yeah you're right, very insecure about it

[@mostafamansour2495]

Sometimes I forget he won a balloon d'or

[@matthewbrady1590]

Can anyone else smell the insecurity with this guy ?