Michael Owen's journey from Anfield hero to Old Trafford outcast remains one of football's most polarising career paths. The former England striker, now 46, has opened up about the lasting emotional impact of his controversial move between Liverpool's biggest rivals.

Owen burst through Liverpool's academy ranks before establishing himself as one of the Premier League's deadliest finishers, netting over 100 top flight goals and more than 150 in all competitions. His early years brought multiple cup triumphs and cemented his status as a boyhood Red made good.

But his 2004 departure to Real Madrid eventually led to the unthinkable: a move to Manchester United in 2009. Despite claiming a Premier League winners' medal at Old Trafford and scoring crucial goals including a derby winner and Champions League hat-trick, Owen admits the emotional connection never matched what he felt at Liverpool.

"Well, I'm absolutely fine at both. I'm respected at Man United; the derby winner, Champions League hat-trick, goal in a cup final," Owen explained. "It's not like I'm one of their own, we know that, but there's mutual respect and good memories."

The contrast with his feelings towards Liverpool could not be starker. "But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it's in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits."

Those early returns to Anfield proved particularly painful for a player who had given everything for the club as a youngster. The hostile reception from sections of the support clearly cut deep, creating wounds that took years to heal.

"It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout, 'You Manc', but I can put it in a box. It doesn't stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra or Stevie," Owen admitted, referencing the legendary status enjoyed by Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

The timing of Owen's departure proved particularly cruel. Liverpool lifted the Champions League the very season after he left for Madrid, a triumph that still haunts him. "They won the Champions League the season I left. I wanted my mates to win, absolutely, but part of me was gutted, 'God, that could have been me'. I have to accept that. It was my decision to leave."

Owen's Liverpool career included memorable moments against United, including a goal in a 1-1 draw as a teenager and a brace in a famous 3-1 Anfield victory in 2001. That 2001-02 season saw Liverpool finish second, ahead of United but behind Arsenal, mirroring this campaign where both clubs find themselves chasing the top two.

With just three points separating the sides ahead of Sunday's encounter, Owen's words carry extra weight. For Arne Slot's men, victory would mean leapfrogging their rivals into third place and adding another chapter to a rivalry that continues to define both clubs.

Owen's story serves as a reminder of football's harsh realities, where career decisions can echo for decades. The pain in his voice when discussing Liverpool suggests some wounds never fully heal, no matter how many trophies you win elsewhere.