Michael Owen said leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 took an emotional toll on him. Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, the former England striker said he was "weeping bitterly" on his way to the airport as he left Liverpool.
Owen recalls the departure
Owen said: "I remember weeping bitterly on my way to the airport, and I was thinking: what am I leaving behind?"
The former England striker said he was 24 when he left Liverpool for Real Madrid. He said: "I had a feeling that if I left, I would have already spent a long time at Liverpool, and I could always go back there."
Owen added: "So I thought I should go through the experience and enjoy it."
He also said: "The last thing I thought was that I would leave Liverpool."
What drew him to Real Madrid
Owen said the appeal included: "The Galácticos stars, that white shirt, and the way everyone walks out onto the pitch as if they were angels, as well as that amazing stadium and the different culture."
GOAL reported that the call about Real Madrid's interest came during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States.
Carragher tried to change his mind
Owen said Jamie Carragher, who was sharing a room with him, tried to talk him out of joining Real Madrid. Carragher said: "Don't go! They have Raúl, Ronaldo and Fernando Morientes, and you won't get a chance to play!"
Owen said signing for Real Madrid made him think: "Do you know that feeling when you sign something and you think there's no going back? When you say to yourself: my God, what have I done?"
GOAL's details on his spell in Spain
GOAL reported that Owen's time at Real Madrid lasted one season, 2004-2005.
GOAL reported that Owen played 45 matches and scored 16 goals for Real Madrid.
GOAL reported that Owen joined Newcastle United a year after leaving Real Madrid.
