Former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce speaks up on Michael Owen’s attitude at St. James Park after former England national team striker said that joining Newcastle was one of the worst decisions of his career.

In his book “In Reboot – My Life, My Time” Owen said it was a step down for his career to leave Real Madrid and join Newcastle. The statement caught the attention of Alan Shearer who hit back at Owen on social media, which led to a row.

“I’ve read a few snippets and it wasn’t a surprise to me to see Michael saying that. In my time he never really looked comfortable. He was always flying back down to Liverpool whenever possible,” Allardyce said.

“It was never a comfortable move for him and I don’t know why he took it in all honesty.

“If he was that against it, why he did he come to Newcastle United and not wait for a more suitable club?

“In his time with me, it wasn’t about him not wanting to play, it was more about the fact it was very difficult to keep him fit and get him on the field.

“He was probably in the top three best-paid players in the country with his salary, and that showed the ambition of Freddy Shepherd at that time to try and bring some success to Newcastle.

“But it didn’t work out and I think the main reason for that is, if you don’t want to be somewhere you’re never going to perform to your best.

“When he was on the field he was a terrific goalscorer but, certainly in my short time there, he was never on the field enough.” Allardice added.

Source – Daily Mail