“Like a dagger in my heart” - Michael Owen’s old comments on Anfield return comes to light ahead of Trent’s match against Liverpool with Real Madrid

Former Real Madrid striker Michael Owen once shared his experience of returning to Liverpool after leaving the club. He said that it was a 'dagger to his heart' when some fans booed him.

Liverpool are set to host Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 4. This will mark the first time Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield since his summer move to the Spanish giants.

Ahead of the game, Michael Owen's previous comments have come to light about returning to Merseyside. In an interview on the Off The Ball podcast in April 2018, he said:

"When I go back to Anfield and one or two people booed me, it was like a dagger in my heart for what I did for the club and how I felt about it. And how I still feel."

Owen came through Liverpool's academy and made 297 appearances for them, scoring 158 goals and providing 51 assists. He won one UEFA Cup and one FA Cup with them, among other honors, and also received the Ballon d'Or in 2001.

Owen joined Real Madrid in 2004. He returned to the Premier League just a year later with Newcastle United before joining the Merseysiders' arch-rivals, Manchester United, in 2009. Overall, he faced Liverpool six times, winning once and losing the other five times.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on returning to Liverpool with Real Madrid

Ahead of the Champions League clash on Tuesday, Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke about potentially facing a hostile atmosphere at Anfield. He said that the reception is in the hands of the fans, but it won't change his love for the club.

Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime:

“Whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together – they’ll live with me forever." "No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime and, no matter how I’m received, that won’t change,” he added.

Alexander-Arnold came through the Merseysiders' academy and recorded 23 goals and 92 assists in 354 games for them. He helped them win two Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors

For Real Madrid, meanwhile, he's made 10 appearances across competitions, providing two assists.

Edited by Aditya Singh