“I wanted to play for Celtic BUT….” Ballon D’Or Winner Confessed His Love for Celtic and REVEALED His Scottish Root

Michael Owen’s Celtic Confession: A Family Legacy and Unfulfilled Dreams
Michael Owen, the former Liverpool and England international, has revealed a surprising affinity for Celtic FC, admitting he would have loved to play for the Hoops. The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner’s family connection to the Scottish giants and his childhood admiration for the club make for a fascinating tale.

Owen’s revelation comes as a surprise, given his illustrious career, which included winning the Premier League with Manchester United and Liverpool. However, his roots and family ties to Scotland played a significant role in shaping his affection for Celtic. His grandfather’s side of the family, the Donnelly clan, were die-hard Celtic fans, and Owen’s father, a Scottish native, followed the team with great enthusiasm.

“I guess it purely comes down to your family, doesn’t it?” Owen said, reflecting on his Celtic connection. “My dad grew up, spent a lot of time in Scotland, his mum was Scottish. My grandparents’ side of the family are Glaswegian, the Donnelly family. You listen, you hear, you ask questions in your childhood, and as part of my dad’s upbringing was Scottish and all his side of the family were huge Celtic fans. Naturally, my dad got me a Celtic shirt when I was a kid, and I followed them as my team in Scotland.”

Owen’s family ties to Celtic are undeniable, but what’s striking is his genuine admiration for the club. He recalled listening to Celtic matches as a child and following their progress in Scotland. Although he played against Celtic a few times, his connection remained strong, and he often thought about what could have been.

“Yeah, I would have loved to have played for Celtic,” Owen confessed. “That’s one thing I think. At that point in my career, I thought to myself, there were a lot of players at the time going up there, of similar ilk. Top players that maybe were around the 30, 31, 32 type of thing and having two or three years up scoring a few goals. And let’s get it right, you’ve got most of the ball all the time. When you’re playing for Celtic, you get most of the ball, you’re going to get more chances. It’s actually quite nice, as a player that’s in their 30s to not have to chase around and defend much. You always got the ball; you’re always getting chances.”

Owen’s remarks highlight the appeal of playing for Celtic, particularly in the twilight of his career. He would have fit seamlessly into the Hoops’ attacking setup, providing a clinical finisher to complement their dominant possession-based style.

Despite the allure of Celtic, Owen’s career path took a different turn. He opted to join Manchester United in 2009, rather than signing a pre-contract agreement with the Scottish giants. However, Owen’s affection for Celtic remains unwavering, and he often wonders what could have been.

“I don’t wish, but I would have liked at the time to maybe have gone to Celtic towards the end of my career,” Owen said. “It would have been a lovely way I think to end my career.”

Owen’s confession serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Celtic FC, both domestically and internationally. His story highlights the power of family ties and childhood memories in shaping one’s affinity for a club. As Owen looks back on his illustrious career, it’s clear that his Celtic connection remains a cherished aspect of his football journey.

Key Statistics

1. Michael Owen’s appearances and goals for Liverpool: 288 appearances, 158 goals
2. Owen’s Ballon d’Or win: 2001
3. Celtic’s Scottish Premiership performance: 15 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw

Transfer Window Expectations

1. Incomings: 1-2 key signings, focusing on strengthening the attacking options
2. Outgoings: 1-2 departures, prioritizing squad rejuvenation and improvement.

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