Michael Owen on Isaac's strike: Newcastle also welcomes Vissa – it's hypocrisy.

Owen on fan reactions to transfers

According to The Sun: Michael Owen expressed his dissatisfaction with the 'hypocrisy' of football fans and once again supported Alexander Isak.

The former player emphasized that Newcastle fans should consider their actions, as they welcomed Joann Vissa, who also refused to play for Brentford, right at St. James' Park.

Getty PA

The English legend, 45-year-old Owen, noted that former footballers who publicly criticize the Swede for his strike at Newcastle would not behave differently. He pointed out that the striker is not a bad person at all.

View on transfers and player actions

Owen, who once played for Liverpool and Real Madrid, further angered 'The Magpies' fans by comparing Isak and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, whose deal on transfer deadline day did not go through.

While the defender remained at the South London club, Isak made his record transfer to Liverpool for £130 million.

As he prepared for a potential debut for Liverpool on Sunday against Burnley, Owen noted in an interview with the betting site BetSelect:

“He will say it was the right decision. Those who adhere to strict principles will say you should always behave well. It all depends on which side you look from.”

Owen continues:

“You cannot be upset when a player forces you to leave your club if the same thing happens on the other side. Joann Vissa did the same. What will Newcastle fans do? They will go crazy for Isak, but I am sure they will gladly accept Vissa.”

He also emphasized:

“This has happened before; Liverpool fans also did not approve when Trent Alexander-Arnold left for free. But when the next player comes to the team on similar terms, they will be happy.”

Controversies and attitude towards the club

Despite being one of the most well-known players of his generation, Owen is not loved in Tyneside. His career has been marked by many controversial moments, including his statements about not wanting to join the club in 2005 and numerous injuries.

When joking about the fact that part of the fanbase is pleased that Isak has now become the new number one enemy, Owen replied:

“I don't take it personally.”

He added that such situations happen in the world of football, and fans should understand that this is a part of players' professional lives.

Owen stressed:

“As a fan, I would try to accept the fact that reaching the peaks of one's career is a dream for a footballer.”

He concluded that this is just part of a bigger game that will always be accompanied by emotions and changes.

id='6379220805112' data-video-id='6379220805112' data-account='5067014667001' data-player='default' data-usage='cms:WordPress:6.5.6:2.8.6:javascript' data-embed='default' class='video-js' data-application-id='' controls style='width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;'>