Michael Owen believes Liverpool wanted to sell Steven Gerrard back in 2013, because he was so “symbolic” and “powerful”.
Writing in his new autobiography, ‘Reboot’, via the Mirror, the former Reds striker claims Gerrard had become too big a figure for the club’s liking, with the player himself potentially wanting to stay for longer in the end:
In Steven’s case, I severely doubt whether he really wanted to go and play in the States in 2015.
I’ve heard that the club wanted him out two years prior to when he actually left.
I’m sure he would rather have wound his career down at Liverpool, playing increasingly fewer games until he reached a point where he could be integrated into the coaching staff.
This only happened later in his case. But instead, because he’d become so symbolic and so powerful, I believe he was forced out in the short term. Steven was bigger than the club.
These Liverpool supporters have reacted to the quotes on Twitter, with some not necessarily believing Owen.
And he is a Liverpool ambassador. This story is either a personal opinion or he is betraying a teammate or he is trying to sully other players so that we hate them as much as him. Not going to happen Michael @themichaelowen
— Hermie3 (@HermieLFC) September 6, 2019
— Neil Richardson (@neilwrichardson) September 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheMerseyEminem/status/1169662280369430530?s=20
Go away
— Alan Fairhurst (@AlFairhurst) September 5, 2019
Read Liverpool Verdict
One thing’s for sure: Owen’s risking making new enemies in his book, with plenty of bold claims made.
This is one such example and it is a big comment to come out with, considering Gerrard’s standing at Liverpool.
Apart from Sir Kenny Dalglish, there arguably isn’t a greater player in the club’s history – some think Gerrard may even be top of the list – and it would be a surprise if the Reds were ever going out of their way to offload him.
In 2013, the legendary midfielder still had plenty to offer, even though his very best days were behind him.
When it came to Gerrard leaving in 2015, however, he had declined greatly, so even though Owen claims he didn’t want to leave, his exit was more understandable at that point.
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