It’s 2017, and people *still* aren’t being kind to Michael Owen on Twitter.
Since hanging up his boots, the former striker has taken more than his fair share of stick for his work in the media. It even reached the stage where news outlets were circulating false quotes that had been wrongly attributed to him.
On Wednesday, Owen was back on punditry duty with BT Sport, covering Manchester United’s Europa League second leg tie against St Etienne.
Of course, Owen was returning to the scene of one of his most famous goals, so you can’t blame the bloke for dropping the odd tweet or two about it.
For those not quite old enough to remember – it was in St Etienne that an 18-year-old Owen truly announced himself on the international stage by scoring a magnificent (but ultimately meaningless) solo effort against Argentina.
In St Etienne for the first time since my world changed 19 years ago! Great memories. #ThatGoal
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) February 22, 2017
Older, wiser, fatter but forever grateful for the goal I scored here – can't believe it was almost 20 years ago!⚽️🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/kwFthXq9J0
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) February 22, 2017
Naturally, there were always going to be a few people who pretended not to know about that remarkable solo goal.
what goal ??
— wooks7619 (@wooks7619) February 22, 2017
which goal?
— Michael Brown (@Gonadz21) February 22, 2017
Other people used the opportunity to remind Owen that despite his ‘great memories’, England were sent packing after losing the game on penalties.
You know we lost that game don't you? Or is it about you, not the team?
— PH (@hazza765) February 22, 2017
we lost the game mate. #greatmemories
— box2box beef 🇵🇸 (@bigbeef10) February 22, 2017
And then there were those that accused Owen of ‘making things about himself’.
Stop trying to make everything about you, Michael.
— The Professional (@Devil_Red_1878) February 22, 2017
your arrogance knows no bounds
— Danny Fowkes (@danieldfowkes) February 22, 2017
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Michael Owen tweet without someone saying something about him being boring.
https://twitter.com/Maceinthegame/status/834397313204367361
Or someone saying that he didn’t do much with the rest of his career…
shame the rest of your career didn't live up to that
— Jonny shaw (@jonnyshaw1) February 22, 2017
Still, at least nobody was giving the former Liverpool man any stick for ultimately joining Manchester United. Nope. Not around here. Oh wait…
And you joined the Scums..Il never forgive you Mike..We worshipped you at Anfield. You are a dissapointment.
— Ishmael Jackson Koko (@JacksonJasolla) February 22, 2017
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live