In February 1997, Michael was given a new lease of life. After completing nearly 1 season with Liverpool, he was told he would maybe called upon for England's senior game against Chile. Sure enough, Michael was given the nod, so on the 11th February 1998 Michael walked out onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium a England First Team International! We lost the game 2-0, but Michael would have many more chances to score his first senior England goal! He did against Morocco on the 26th May 1998!

"That Goal"

Well 1998 was also a World Cup year, and that year it was in France. Michael was selected as one of the 22 to be taken to France. Although Michael was chosen to be included in the England line-up, he was not chosen to be a definite start for any of the games. Michael came on as a substitute for England's first game against on the 15th June against Tunisia.

Michael was brought on as a substitute for the Romania game and scored his first World Cup Finals goal. Even after this he was not going to be a definite starter for the upcoming match against Argentina. But after a public outcry, Michael was picked to start the Argentina match.

As we all well know, this was when history was made, and Michael scored "that goal". Michael's life was never going to be the same again!

Owen-Mania!

Owen was now football's "golden-boy". Michael was mobbed everywhere he went, had fans camping outside his house just to hopefully snap a glimpse of him and merchandise was now being produced with Michael's face on it! He was having to fight off companies that wanted Michael to endorse its products and fight off journalists that wanted interviews, pictures and a piece of the wonder-boy!

Madrid beckoned and Michael answered!

After 13 years at Liverpool (7 in the Liverpool first-team) Michael has left Liverpool for Real Madrid. Michael signed for Real on the 13th August 2004 and was un-veiled as the new #11. Michael said that because of his driving ambition and appetite for medals, he wanted a new challenge and found it in the form of Real Madrid. Michael has signed a four-year contract with Real, so this certainly is enough time for Michael to add to his ever growing silverware cabinet! Although Michael will be sorely missed at Anfield, he has given Liverpool 7 memorable years, who can forget the 2001 FA Cup Final against Arsenal for example! Who would have thought the tiny local lad from Chester would be performing on the same football stage (and same club) as legends like Ronaldo, Zidane and Figo!

Newcastle United get their man!

After only one season in Madrid, Michael returned home to where he belonged, the Premiership! Michael returned to the UK to play as Alan Shearer's striking partner at Newcastle United, and to hopefully score as many goals for them as he did against them! Michael official signed for the club on the 31st August 2005 in front of 50,000 screaming Newcastle United fans. The premier league was not the same without Michael, so we can now all look forward to some electric games with Michael back in England!