For many footballers, wearing the Real Madrid shirt represents the ultimate ambition. But Michael Owen has recalled that joining the Spanish giants did not bring the unqualified excitement and happiness such a move might have been expected to produce.

The transfer, completed in the summer of 2004, initially appeared to be a dream opportunity for the England forward. Yet the move was accompanied by considerable uncertainty and mixed emotions, largely because it meant leaving Liverpool.

Owen had been developed by Liverpool and the club had helped him establish himself on the international stage. His departure was therefore particularly difficult, despite the prestige of joining the team known as the Galacticos.

The forward spent only one season at Real Madrid.