That he has chosen to leave the club he joined as an 11-year-old not only represents a huge emotional wrench, but also a major gamble. Unlike David Beckham, who had limited competition for a place in the centre of Madrid's midfield when he arrived last summer, Owen must usurp two of the world's best strikers to get a game.
Ronaldo and Raul are the firstchoice forwards for a club who don't tradionally rotate their squad. Even if injuries or suspensions take their toll, Owen will still have to fight off competition from Fernando Morientes who has returned to Spain after a prolific loan spell with Monaco.
Beckham today welcomed the idea of linking up with his England team-mate at club level. He said: "We would love to have him here." Owen's close friend and Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher tried to pre-empt any possible hostility to the move.
The England defender said: "He probably does not want to go but it is the club who are interested that has swung it. Real Madrid are a special club, the most special in the world and always will be. Michael should not be blamed for this. He has given many years to Liverpool and he goes with our best wishes."
