'I played for Liverpool and Newcastle, but only one will always have my heart'

Michael Owen admits that his heart lies with Liverpool, despite playing for other Premier League sides such as Newcastle and Manchester United. The former striker, who won a Ballon d'Or during his time at Anfield, has looked back on his time in the top-flight and admitted he wished he had a greater legacy in Merseyside.

As Newcastle gear up for the visit of the reigning Premier League champions on Monday evening, there is a little more bite in the air between the two teams.

Alexander Isak is still on the fringes at St James' Park, after coming out with a public statement defending his desire to push for a transfer away from the Magpies, with his main target being Liverpool. The Swedish striker is yet to make an appearance for Eddie Howe's team this season, and is training alone as he remains isolated from the rest of the squad.

READ MORE: Michael Owen speaks out and REFUSES to criticise Alexander Isak after Alan Shearer comments

READ MORE: Arne Slot admits texts with Eddie Howe as Liverpool set for Alexander Isak transfer fury

Newcastle issued a statement shortly after, vehemently denying that a transfer plan was agreed between club and player after they rejected an initial £110million bidfrom Arne Slot's team earlier in the summer.

Now, it's a battle of the ages on Monday, as Isak's current club and target club for the future square off - with many arguing that whoever wins should be able to keep or sign the prolific forward for good.

One former Premier League star that knows all about club loyalty and fan discontentment is Owen, who has shown out for both teams at some point in his career.

However, the former Red has claimed his heart will always remain with Liverpool - despite playing for Newcastle and Manchester United, Real Madrid and Stoke City.

Speaking to The Mail in 2021, the 45-year-old said: "Well, I’m absolutely fine at both. I’m respected at Man United; the derby winner, Champions League hat-trick, goal in a cup final. It’s not like I’m one of their own, we know that, but there’s mutual respect and good memories.

"But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it’s in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits.

"It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout, “You Manc”, but I can put it in a box. It doesn’t stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra (Jamie Carragher) or Stevie (Steven Gerrard)."

Arguably, Owen's legacy in Manchester is similar to his time at Anfield and much better than at St James' Park - given he won a Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2010.

With Liverpool, he collected the highest individual honour of the Ballon d'Or, but also won various domestic cup competitions; including the FA Cup, League Cup and Charity Shield.

In today's world, Isak has just the Carabao Cup to his name, but has helped Newcastle reach Champions League football through their league positions - and his loss is proving vital to the squad so far this season.

However, Owen previously refused to criticise the young striker, instead telling people to think about how they would react if the shoe was on the other foot in terms of club and player.

Speaking to Chronicle Live via 247Bet, he said: "He's laid his cards on the table, hasn't he? It's quite clear that he wants to move. Whether Newcastle fans would forgive and forget is a big question.

"I don't know. I mean, he's done exceptionally well for them, you know, they've won a trophy, they're into the Champions League. He's done his side of the bargain quite clearly by his statement.

"He feels like that's enough and that they've had previous chats which suggest that he's almost not free to leave but, you know, if certain things were done then he might be free to go, but it doesn't seem like Newcastle are playing that game."

He added: "This whole scenario is an interesting one because nine times out of 10 when a move comes about it's normally a club forcing a player and nobody's bothered, nobody says anything despite any kids that are in school or any families that have settled in an area or anything else like that.

"Nobody cares really about a footballer. But when it's on the other foot, it's really interesting to see that everybody, you know, the whole world goes into meltdown and how dare somebody try and force a move through? I'm not going to sit here and criticise Isak.

"I wouldn't have done that myself in terms of the actions he's taken, but I do get that he's a great player that wants to get to the top of his game and he's obviously not being allowed the move that he's desperate for. And you get one short career and he's wanting to join probably the best team in the world at the moment.

"I get it from his point of view. It's just a sad situation when it's played out in the world's press and he's obviously not coming out well, let's say, from a reputation point of view."

Newcastle welcome Liverpool to St James' Park on Monday evening in the Premier League, with an 8pm kick-off to round off the second week of fixtures in the top-flight.

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