Michael Owen has explained how former Liverpool team mate Emile Heskey once came to his rescue during the pair’s youth team days.
The duo scored a combined total of 218 goals for the Reds, and also appeared several times for England across the youth and senior levels.
Owen came through Liverpool’s academy, while Heskey was signed from Leicester City in 2000 and their pair would both leave Anfield in the summer of 2004.
The pair forged a strong striker partnership while on Merseyside, and Owen has recalled how they became friends off the field.
During an England Under-18 game against Italy, Owen recalled how Heskey stepped in to help him out after being surrounded by opposition players.
Owen admits he “punched” a member of the opposition, which led to the confrontation, but says after Heskey came to his aid that he knew they would be friends.
He also suggests their mutual understanding was immediate.
“That tournament we first played together in France, we were up against Italy and, stupidly, with a few minutes to go, I punched an Italian,” Owen told The Telegraph.
“The ref didn’t spot it, but as soon as the final whistle went, they all surrounded me.
“And Emile stood by me, fending them all off. He was a big lad. And I knew he was going to be my mate from that point on.”
Owen recently released his autobiography, ‘Reboot’, which has been shortlisted for this Autobiography of the Year in the Telegraph Sport Book Awards.
*Reboot by Michael Owen is on sale now in paperback, hardback, ebook and audiobook.
