Ex-Man United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has already explained which of the clubs is 'in his heart'

Michael Owen risked the wrath of Liverpool fans when he signed for Manchester United in 2009.

He revealed that he "hated" returning to Anfield after moving to Sir Alex Ferguson's side in 2009 - because Liverpool is "in my heart". Despite the change of allegiances, Owen believes there is mutual respect between the two sides.

The 42-year-old scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool, as opposed to 17 goals in 52 appearances at Old Trafford as he edged towards the end of his career. "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," he told the Daily Mail in 2021.

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"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)."

"They won the Champions League the season I left. I wanted my mates to win, absolutely, but part of me was gutted, "God, that could have been me". I have to accept that. It was my decision to leave."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.