[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 Aug 2004
Ripped-off Owen? didn't cost us a penny
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

IT would be an understatement to say I am disappointed Michael Owen has
left Liverpool.

The speed with which the move to Real Madrid happened took me and everyone
else by surprise - even Michael.

Having spoken to Michael since he left, it is clear he felt now was the
right time to move on and test himself abroad.

The opportunity which presented itself came out of the blue. I think Madrid
saw an opportunity to buy Michael before the August deadline and he
realised what a great opportunity it was for him to play for a fantastic club.

Having moved abroad myself when I joined Juventus, I can understand why he
has made that decision.

As a Liverpool fan, I wish it hadn't happened now, but we'll move on. Great
players have left Anfield before and will do so again, but Liverpool always
replace their stars with new heroes.

I am sure Djibril Cisse can fill the void. He has certainly made a good
start with a goal on his debut.

The biggest talking point with regards Michael seems to be the transfer fee.

I have heard a lot of comments saying £8m and Antonio Nunez was not enough.

Considering Michael only had a year of his contract left, I think Liverpool
have done well to get that much from Real.

What a lot of people seem to forget is Michael did not cost Liverpool a
penny when he decided to join the club as an 11-year-old.

He could have joined Everton or Manchester United or any other club, but
instead he decided to move to Anfield and from that moment on, Liverpool
knew they had a valuable asset.

From that point of view, to get £8m for a player you did not buy is good
business.

Obviously if Michael had longer left on his contract, his value would have
been greater, but that's just football reality nowadays.

You cannot blame Liverpool for not being able to command as much now as
they would 12 months ago. After August 31, they could have lost him for
nothing because by the time the transfer window reopened, he would be free
to sign a pre-contract agreement and leave on a Bosman.

After what happened with Steve McManaman, the club acted wisely.

Now Michael is gone, the club can focus on the future without him.

I doubt Rafael Benitez's immediate priority will be a new striker.

Cisse looks a top striker and Milan Baros was the forward everyone wanted
in Euro 2004. With Florent Sinama-Pongolle - who I really like - waiting in
the wings, we are still well off.

I imagine all three will be given this season to prove their worth and the
first reinforcements will be for other areas of the team.


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