Michael Owen, the former England and Liverpool striker, has revealed that even his own children perceive him as "boring," a sentiment explored in the new Prime Video documentary "Meet The Owens." The fly-on-the-wall series, which debuted Friday, delves into the life of the footballer and his family.
Owen, who describes himself as "exceptionally talented at football" and a record-breaker during his playing career, acknowledges his public image. "Even my kids say everyone sees me as dead boring," he states in the program, later contemplating a simple snack of toast with Dairylea. The documentary contrasts his perceived lack of charisma with his family life.
He is married to Louise, his childhood sweetheart, and they have four children. Their eldest, Gemma, is a "Love Island" alumna with a significant social media following. The family resides in a manor house in Cheshire, and their shared passion for horses is a central theme. Owen now owns and operates a racing stable, and the family is deeply involved in equestrian pursuits.
Gemma's recent acquisition of a Shetland pony, Bert, leads to a lighthearted moment where Owen humorously questions who will cover the costs, before sarcastically referring to Bert as his "favourite horse."
During interviews filmed in a wood-panelled room, Owen offers further introspective comments. "I'm either really happy or just happy," he confides, a statement that the review notes would not lend itself to dramatic television.
Following his football career, Owen sought a new purpose, which he found in horse racing. He also attempted a career as a football pundit but found his "monotonous" tone and an inability to feign excitement hampered his ability to connect with viewers. "If West Ham scored against Burnley, with all due respect, I just couldn't care," he explained.
The documentary follows the Owens at various racing events, including owners' parties and horse auctions, showcasing a seemingly close-knit family. Louise describes Gemma as her "best friend," and Gemma herself is presented as a potential media personality, having hosted the Horse Of The Year Show for Channel 4.
Among other revelations, Owen admits to being an "orca pervert," fascinated by documentaries about the marine mammals, and expresses a struggle with mundane tasks like tearing greaseproof paper. Despite these quirks, he expresses deep satisfaction with his current life, stating, "I wake every morning and bounce out of bed."
The series also captures lighter moments, such as a dog named Kaiser stealing Owen's chips, which he finds amusing. His wife recalls him reading the Racing Post while she was in labor, to which he retorts that he offered her a read as well. In a notable exchange about ice cream, he labels both boxes he retrieves from the freezer as "world-class."
The review suggests that the family appears genuinely delightful and loving, though it also humorously notes the ongoing need for everyday tasks, such as pairing socks. The documentary also hints at future projects, including a potential celebrity travelogue.
