Michael Owen claims he is a wholly changed man since hanging up his boots and leaving behind the "anger" that consumed his life in football.
The iconic former striker retired from football in 2013 to call time on a glittering career during which he burst onto the scene with Liverpool, won the 2001 Ballon d'Or and clinched the Premier League title with Manchester United. Owen remains the youngest player to reach 100 Premier League goals and represented England at five major tournaments, famously scoring a stunning solo goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
However, his career also had its fair share of low points including a season spent on the fringes at Real Madrid, an ill-fated transfer to Newcastle and numerous major injuries. Owen admits he sorely felt the pressure of sport played at the highest level - and is relieved he no longer has to worry about finding the back of the net.
"I am a totally, totally different person to the wired, determined type of person I was," the 42-year-old told the Liverpool Echo. "I am much more mellow now. I love spending time with my family, I love business, I love watching, observing and it's just a more chilled out existence now as opposed to every single day, opening your eyes and being angry about where your next goal is coming from.
"My waking thought was 'how am I going to score?' I've got to train, I've got to do this, I've got to eat this... that was my life for years and years. But now I am a different person, I've got a different life and a different outlook and everything else. So I hope I've changed."
Is Michael Owen a Liverpool legend? Have your say in the comments...
Owen, who has four children with his wife Louise, insists he is now "very much at ease with life", whereas he was absorbed with trying to "be the best" during his playing career. Following his spells with Liverpool, Real Madrid and United, Owen spent the 2012/13 season with Stoke City before announcing his retirement. He ended his career with a tally of 262 goals for club and country as well as six major honours to his name.
Owen has no doubt quitting the Beautiful Game has given him a chance to enjoy "everything that surrounds him". These days, the Chester native is frequently seen on television as a pundit for BT Sport covering Premier League and European football. He is also known for his love of golf and horse racing having significantly expanded Manor House Stables 15 years ago.
