Jamie Carragher has revealed he desperately tried to convince former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to re-sign Michael Owen – only for the Spaniard to opt for flop Frenchman David N’Gog instead.
The 33-year-old, , left Anfield for Real Madrid in 2004, and joined Newcastle a year later, but was left on the free transfer shelf after his contract at St James’ Park expired.
Owen eventually signed for Manchester United in a move that shocked Reds fans, but Carragher revealed his old team-mate was open to re-joining the Merseysiders, and only didn’t because of then-boss Benitez.
‘Liverpool supporters did not take too kindly to the way he left but I’m a firm believer that time is a healer and I’m sure they would have welcomed him back after his contract at Newcastle had expired,’ Carragher said.
‘The way he left Liverpool had saddened Michael and he wanted the opportunity to redeem himself.
‘I sent Rafa Benitez a message explaining what Liverpool could get on a free transfer but Benitez instead went out and bought David Ngog.
‘I had heard he was thinking of joining Manchester United but he would have jumped at the opportunity to come back to Liverpool. He would have been happy to be a squad player and was excited at the opportunity to return home.
‘Joining United was a mistake. It ruined any chance of him repairing things with Liverpool fans and it’s safe to say United supporters never really took to him despite his famous winner against Manchester City.’
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