Despite ‘Resenting’ David Beckham’s 25YO Mistake, Michael Owen Labels His Real Madrid Stint a ‘Success’

David Beckham‘s storied soccer career is indeed one rollercoaster ride. A few soccer greats, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Neville, and Roy Keane have had the chance to witness Beckham’s saga unfold with all the highs and lows. Similarly, Michael Owen, who shot to stardom around the same time, has also seen a fair share of the latter’s soccer adventures. In a recent conversation, Michael Owen had quite a bit to say about his fellow Englishman. While doing so, Owen called out the free-kick specialist’s age-old mistake while speaking highly of his Real Madrid stint.

A discussion on David Beckham is incomplete without recalling his infamous red card in the 1998 World Cup match between England and Argentina. Owen, who played alongside Beckham that day, is still unhappy about him seeing the red after confronting Diego Simeone.

Michael Owen still unhappy about David Beckham’s World Cup red card

Michael Owen opened up on past memories during his appearance on an ‘Up Front With Simon Jordan’ episode. Speaking of the 1998 World Cup, the host asked Owen why he wrote in his autobiography, Reeboot: My Life, My Time, that he resented David Beckham for getting red-carded. “Let’s get it right, I don’t think it was a red card. But that is irrelevant. What do I mean by that? I mean it was obviously a mistake… A lot of people get one shot at a World Cup. You’re very lucky if you get two or whatever. But he made a big mistake…he would admit that”, said Michael Owen.

“I resent David making a decision to kick out on a player”, he added. The Liverpool legend added that David Beckham’s mistake ultimately contributed to England’s World Cup exit. Had he not been sent off, England with 11 players still in the team had a better chance to beat Argentina, stressed Michael Owen. Save the 98 World Cup exit, Michael Owen holds his teammate in the highest regard. The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner recalled Beckham’s Real Madrid stint with great praise.

Owen on Beckham’s Real Madrid stint

Similar to David Beckham, Michael Owen is one of the few English players who have played for Real Madrid. Los Blancos landed Owen before they eyed Beckham. Speaking of English players’ Madrid stint, Owen stated it is unfair to say Brits don’t succeed in Madrid. “Look at the players from Britain, you look at myself, I think I adapted absolutely fine, scored a lot of goals. I had no problem adapting. David Beckham had a successful time in Madrid, he adapted well,” said Owen in an exclusive with Lucas Navarrete.

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David Beckham indeed had adapted well in Real Madrid. His classic assists to the phenomenal striker Ronaldo Nazario, are still a treat to watch. Moreover, the sharp shooter added two trophies, a La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup to his cabinet during his 3-year stay at Los Blancos.

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