Michael Owen asked Liverpool fans not to begrudge Trent Alexander-Arnold for potentially joining Real Madrid next summer, citing his experience. Owen emphasized that Trent has given everything to Liverpool and adores the club even if the 26-year-old rejects contract renewal.
The former Manchester United forward dragged his contract situation with Liverpool before eventually joining Real Madrid in 2004. The drama disappointed Liverpool fans who blamed Owen for leaving the club that developed him right during his peak years.
However, Owen struggled to establish himself at Madrid and joined Newcastle United in 2005, returning to the Premier League again. Owen has maintained that he wanted to sign for Liverpool but failed as the club never returned with an offer.
When Rafa Benitez joined Liverpool as manager, Owen refused to play the Champions League match to avoid cup-tying. It is incredibly oblivious of Owen to think that the same manager would welcome his return after that undesired drama.
Furthermore, the Englishman joined historical rivals Man United after leaving Newcastle which alienated the Reds fanbase further. Even if Liverpool never wanted him back, Owen could have joined any other club but opted for the biggest rivals.
Owen believes (via Telegraph) that the fans should not begrudge Liverpool vice-captain Alexander-Arnold for potentially joining Real. He said:
“The Trent situation is an interesting one. Trent has done everything for Liverpool. He adores Liverpool. If he goes, no one should begrudge him a different experience in his life and career. Whatever happens he should be regarded as a hero. Sadly, it does affect the way people view you. It will tarnish him in some eyes even though it shouldn’t.”
Liverpool have everything for Trent to prosper and cement his legacy
Trent has made incredible progress in his defensive aspect of the game under Arne Slot this season, shutting his naysayers. Widely regarded as one of the finest playmakers, Alexander-Arnold is entering his prime at 26.
Perfect time to re-watch this beauty from Steven Gerrard to Michael Owen: ‘If I’d have played for Man. Utd, I’d have hated coming back as well!’
— Boss Liverpool Goals (@BossLFCgoals) November 26, 2024
pic.twitter.com/kWawc9ns3d https://t.co/uVSRnxxwD3
His influence has been pivotal to Liverpool’s outstanding campaign, where the team has won 16 of 18 matches so far. Historically, players leaving Liverpool often find the grass is not always greener elsewhere as seen with Phil Coutinho, Gini Wijnaldum and others.
Coutinho’s struggles at Barcelona, Sadio Mane at Bayern Munich or Wijnaldum’s stagnation at Paris Saint-Germain are the recent examples. Owen himself regressed badly since leaving Liverpool, failing at Madrid and Newcastle in his prime years.
Trent, however, has the chance to shape his legacy differently by choosing to stay and potentially captaining Liverpool. Moving to Real, a club despised by many Kopites could risk turning him into a divisive figure among fans.
The most pertinent part of the new Michael Owen interview.
— Harry McMullen (@mcmulhar) November 26, 2024
Understand this mentality as a teenager with the world at your feet. But to still have it after retirement, when your career peaked at 22 and the fans of every club you played for hate you – that’s just sad. pic.twitter.com/ebdVi7oNcc
Madrid’s reputation as a “bullying enterprise” with a controversial history clashes with Liverpool’s core values, making such a move controversial. The recent history between the two clubs is much worse, particularly with Sergio Ramos intentionally hurting Mohamed Salah in the 2018 Champions League final.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s current dominance under Slot underscores the squad’s strength, proving they are genuine contenders for top honours. At the same time, Alexander-Arnold is earning £180,000 per week in his current contract and will get a significant hike.
The 26-year-old has every opportunity at the club to further his legacy or alienate the club and the fanbase that adores him. Legendary manager Jurgen Klopp famously told Coutinho in 2017, the difference between legacy at Liverpool and becoming just another player at a club like Real. He said:
“Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more.”
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Many fans believe that Owen’s ambassadorial role should go to someone who truly represents the club’s ethos, like Daniel Agger. Owen’s public statements and alignment with Howard Webb amid PGMOL controversies have only worsened his standing among supporters. The 44-year-old has not sincerely apologized for decisions that hurt the fans, leaving his reputation in disrepair, only making statements that anger the fans further.
