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MICHAEL OWEN has stated that he doesn’t communicate with Alan Shearer, expressing that he “made a significant mistake” by criticizing him regarding his work ethic while playing for Newcastle.
Owen played under Shearer during the unfortunate 2008-09 Premier League season, which resulted in relegation for the team.
Michael Owen has claimed he doesn’t speak to Alan Shearer amid their long-running feudCredit: Getty
Owen was annoyed by Shearer’s assertion that he ‘could have contributed more’ to help Newcastle avoid relegation in 2009Credit: Rex Features
The Magpies were relegated after a 1-0 defeat to, despite needing only a draw to remain in the league.
Shearer intended to start Owen to enhance their chances of achieving the necessary result, but Owen was just returning from an injury.
Owen ended up playing the last 25 minutes of the match before Newcastle was relegated.
Years later, Shearer remarked that Owen “could have done more” to assist the club in staying up.
He stated it “didn’t really matter” if Owen sustained an injury since it was the end of the season anyway.
Owen has since commented, stating that he and Shearer, who were teammates during the 2005-06 season at Newcastle, will always maintain respect for one another.
However, he noted that they “don’t engage in conversations” and he still disagrees with the former winner’s statements.
Owen shared with Midnite : “Whenever I encounter Shearer, I shake his hand, and he shakes mine.
Owen and Shearer played together for Newcastle in the 2005-06 seasonCredit: Getty
“We don’t have conversations, and to be honest, we just agree to disagree. Deep down, I actually like him, but he made a significant mistake in what he said.”
In his 2019 book, *Reboot: My Life, My Time*, Owen expressed that he felt Shearer was “angry with him” for hesitating to play.
He wrote: “As I exited his office that day, he made a suggestion that led me to believe he thought I was focused on my next contract.
“I’m not naive – we both knew my contract was expiring in a few weeks. It wasn’t until three months later that I found out Alan Shearer was apparently quite upset with me.”
About a year later, Shearer stated on a podcast: “I felt he could have contributed more during my tenure as manager at Newcastle.
“I understand he was at the latter stages of his career and not at his peak, but I believed he could have done a bit more considering our situation and the future of the football club.
“My point was that if he were to get injured, it was the end of the season, and Newcastle was struggling, so it didn’t really matter if he went out and pulled a hamstring or groin.”
Owen also took a jab at Shearer by stating he “failed” at Newcastle, noting that his record of one win in eight matches was “hardly god-like.”
He played just 79 times over four seasons for Newcastle due to injuries, scoring 30 goals, before transferring to Manchester United.
In contrast, Shearer will be fondly remembered by fans for scoring 206 goals in 405 appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michael Owen and Alan Shearer have a feud?
Michael Owen criticized Alan Shearer for his comments regarding his work ethic during their time at Newcastle, leading to a long-standing disagreement between the two.
What did Alan Shearer say about Michael Owen's performance?
Alan Shearer claimed that Michael Owen “could have done more” to help Newcastle avoid relegation during the 2008-09 season.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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