To the kids of today, Michael Owen might well be that commentator off the telly, but for those of us a little longer in the tooth, he’ll always be the 18-year-old who scored the goal of the 1998 World Cup.
Owen returned to the ground he made his name at to cover Manchester United’s second leg in the Europa League last 32 against Saint-Etienne, and couldn’t help reminiscing.
In St Etienne for the first time since my world changed 19 years ago! Great memories. #ThatGoal
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) February 22, 2017
Owen’s goal put England 2-1 up after 16 minutes, but after a dramatic game, the Three Lions were knocked out on penalties.
Older, wiser, fatter but forever grateful for the goal I scored here – can't believe it was almost 20 years ago!?????? pic.twitter.com/kwFthXq9J0
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) February 22, 2017
And it wasn’t just the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and England man who was feeling nostalgic, fans got involved too – spot the backhanded compliment.
@themichaelowen my first real football memory. What a night it was!
— Jack Dilloway (@dilldog_red) February 22, 2017
@themichaelowen Wiser, maybe not? But you were a hell of a striker.
— Alex Ward (@DontFollowMalf) February 22, 2017
Still one of the best goals I have ever seen @themichaelowen Still excites me to watch. Enjoy the memories.
— Christopher Stewart (@stewie_78) February 22, 2017
If you haven’t seen the goal, or can’t call it to mind, here’s a reminder of the genius that unfolded that night in France.
It will have been 19 years ago this summer – how is that possible?