Michael Owen

[dom9]

Really? The last line too his dad was a really nice touch I thought.

I thought so.

Once he started thanking everyone, obviously it ceased to be a Hodgson esque statement.

[fah-q]

I guess we can start being nice about him now.

He was a fantastic player for us.

Those two goals he scored in the FA Cup final won me a lot of money when i was a skint student.

I dare say that if you were to ply him with drink he'd quite happily admit that the biggest mistake he made in his career was leaving us.

It'd probably be something about the England team more likely.

[Chazza]

michael owen @themichaelowen
I'm overwhelmed. So many nice messages. Having known it for a while I thought I would be ok. Reduced to tears watching @SkySportsNews!

[Alex]

I'm so past hating him. Can't be arsed with it. I prefer to remember the good. He was our boy wonder, and the Arsenal Cup final will stay with me forever.

Nice statement that. Good luck to him.

Exactly. I'd much prefer to remember him bursting onto the scene as a 17 year old. That bright yellow shirt bring me good memories now.

I remember being pleased as punch he was ours after he scored that goal against Argentina. Same with the 5-1 game against Germany. Owen, Gerrard and Heskey!

[Tee]

I think he could have achieved so much more if he had stayed at Liverpool. Looked **** hot in the first pre season with Rafa but obviously had other ideas.

I don't hate him but clearly he will not be as revered as maybe he should be, especially given his amazing form for us during his boy wonder years, because of the path he took post Liverpool. Had the chance to come back but went for the money, which when you look at his lifestyle is probably understandable.

[Tee]

I was at his debut at Selhurst Park v Wimbledon.

[Chazza]

I think he could have achieved so much more if he had stayed at Liverpool. Looked **** hot in the first pre season with Rafa but obviously had other ideas.

I don't hate him but clearly he will not be as revered as maybe he should be, especially given his amazing form for us during his boy wonder years, because of the path he took post Liverpool. Had the chance to come back but went for the money, which when you look at his lifestyle is probably understandable.

He didn't do bad to be fair

Premier League, League Cup (3), FA Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup ... 2001 Ballon d'Or

[Tee]

He didn't do bad to be fair

Premier League, League Cup (3), FA Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup ... 2001 Ballon d'Or

I knew someone would reel that out, but I meant on a personal level. Games played and goals scored, for club and country. Should have made that clearer but never mind.

[Chazza]

Cheer up chuckles

[Tee]

Cheer up chuckles

This is the internet I suppose.

[Alex]

Does anyone want the thread title changed now? I am not a fan of it, especially now he has retired. I'll go with the majority.

[Tee]

How about... Michael Owen - retired midget



And I believe I am in the majority right now.

[Shaggy]

Aye call it Michael Owen

[Alex]

Done, never liked it. Mainly because it was Craig who named it though.....,

[Phoenix07]

I've tried to like him, but he's just got something about him I don't like.

That statement is about as manufactured as it could possibly be (bar the last paragraph), and no doubt I'll get slaughtered for it, but since leaving us, he's acted like Billy Big Bollocks. His football has deteriorated, and that is such a shame. Made a number of wrong choices and now his career is as it is.

A career that started like the Big Bang ultimately fizzled out into a damp paper towel.