Michael Owen: Off The Record - My Autobiography

by Michael Owen, Paul Hayward

Michael Owen reveals the highlights and pitfalls of being a professional footballer in his first official autobiography, which contains his personal reflections on seven years in the game, including two World Cups, two European Championships and goalscoring records for club and country. After his famous goal against Argentina in France 98, Michael Owen was forced to grow up almost overnight, his sudden fame propelling him to stardom to the extent that the hopes of a football nation now rest on the slender frame of this 24-year-old. In his autobiography, Owen is forthright in his views on the he reacts to the accusations of diving, his susceptibility to injury, and his alleged gambling addiction; he reveals his frustrations with the current Liverpool team and the surprising reasons behind his fluctuating form in 2003/04; and he tackles his ambitions for a possible future career abroad. He is also candid about his England striking partnership with Wayne Rooney; his role in the players' strike threat in support of Rio Ferdinand, and his complex and at times difficult relationship with coaches such as Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan and Sven-Goran Eriksson; and he has strong views on the thug culture still rife in English football. Outside of the game, he talks openly for the first time about the recent death threats to him and his family, his relationship with childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall -- including her serious injury from a riding accident -- and their baby Gemma, and his aspirations to be a horse owner and breeder when he gives up the game. For a person who rarely opens up to the press about his private life and his true thoughts on the game, Owen shows remarkable clarity of mind and purpose in this eye-opening story of a footballer never far from the headlines and a role model to a whole generation of youngsters.

Genres: Football, Biography, Soccer, Sports

384 pages, Hardcover

First published August 23, 2004

About the author

Michael James Owen is a former English footballer who played as a striker for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City as well as the England national team.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_...


Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Leo . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercurial little goal machine for the reds. Disappointed when he signed for the other reds over in Manchester. Good book though Michael.

I know that the Kopites were not amused about joining the Mancs but he scored so many goals for Liverpool, and England, he is still a legend as far as I am concerned. 👍🐯

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

i thought this was excellent. i remember Michael breaking into the world cup with that goal against Argentina like it was yesterday. this bio goes off on about his horse racing which wasn't as interesting to me but some of the insights he gives into what made him such an amazing striker are incredible if you have ever played football at a decent standard or if you hope your kids might (latter more my case anyway! :) own was apart from terry venebles the only player to represent England at all age groups - U15, u16,u17 etc till u21 then on till the first 11. also a must if you want to know how to overcome hamstring injuries. highly recommended.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen has been my idol throughout my childhood until now. I found it really interesting reading into his life, which is often not expressed much in the media.
A tad slow and boring in parts, but overall loved reading about my hero

[Yasemin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Michael Owen. Now even more ^^

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Owen is a very humble, shy amazing soccer player who loves the game and his family more than anything. I really enjoying reading about his life and how he got to where he is today!:)

[Limbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We can look each other in the eye and know we're together for all the right reasons."
I like this person, and the way he expresses himself and his emotion.

[Charlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although Michael Owen was my idol growing up, reading this I found that the writing inspired boredom and an interesting life was just simmered down.

[Football Writer Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayward helps Owen write in an entertaining way, and sheds a spotlight onto the mind of Owen the striker, whose entire mindset revolves around anticipating mistakes defenders might make.

[Sebastián · Rating 2 out of 5]

Esperé más. Está bien, creo que más detallado que Pirlo, pero esperé mayor detalle en Real Madrid y no pude conocer los motivos para ir a ManU y Stoke. Interesante perspectiva en algunos pasajes.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Very interesting to hear his opinions on the players he has played with and the managers who have managed him.

[Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well what can I say . In 3 words Boring Book !!!!!! Yawn