Former England teammates Michael Owen and Alan Shearer have become embroiled in a surprise Twitter spat over the former’s ‘regret’ at joining Newcastle.
Owen boldly declared in his new book Reboot that he didn’t need to justify himself "to f***ing Newcastle fans” after conceding he would have preferred to have re-joined Liverpool after his brief stay with Real Madrid.
Owen’s bitterness stems from being booed after being stretchered off injured and he has now told his side of the story after the failed move to St. James’ Park.
Shearer posted a reply to Owen’s claims though, adding a video of the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker where he states, ”So all I did for six, seven years... I hated it, I couldn’t wait to retire.”
The legendary Newcastle No 9 then added his own caption: ”Yes Michael, we thought that also, whilst on £120k a week...”
But Owen refused to take Shearer’s shot, with the pair once friends before a 10-year feud.
And the 39-year-old called into question Shearer's loyalty to the club he represented for 10 years.
“Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate,” Owen said in response.
“I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out.”
Owen later clarified his remarks needed to be put into context, despite creating controversy ahead of the book’s launch.
He added: “My new book has made plenty of headlines this morning but they need to be put into context.
“I’ve stayed quiet for years whilst receiving plenty of criticism but there are two sides to every story. Once you’ve read the book you’ll make your own decision.”
Owen fell out with Shearer during the latter's last-ditch attempt to save Newcastle from relegation on the final day of the season against Aston Villa 2009 with Owen recovering from injury at the time.
Owen continued to hit out at Shearer in response to Gary Lineker's reaction to the Twitter spat, labelling it "awkward".
With Owen replying: "Are you surprised? He’s manipulated a tiny part of an honest answer to aim a cheap dig at me? Most ex players I’ve spoken to aren’t."
