SUMMARY
- Michael Owen is a former English footballer who played for Liverpool and Real Madrid. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and is famous in Britain.
- In an interview with BBC, Michael Owen revealed that his son had been diagnosed with a rare disease known as Stargardt disease.
Michael Owen, former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, is a name that several Premier League fans ponder about. Being one of the very few to win the Ballon d’Or from England, Owen is a renowned name across Britain.
Recently, a sad moment arrived for the soccer world as Owen disclosed that his son won’t be able to follow the legacy of his family. Michael Owen’s son James Owen had caught a serious disease which forced Michael Owen to say, “If I could give him my eyes … I would.”
Owen’s son diagnosed with Stargardt disease
In an interview with BBC, Michael Owen revealed that his son had been diagnosed with a rare disease known as Stargardt disease. Stargardt, a genetic condition can occur when the macula, a small part of the retina that is essential for sharp, central vision, accumulates fatty material.
❤️ Michael Owen says he would ‘pay every cent’ to fix son’s incurable condition which ended football dream pic.twitter.com/rmPBTmy0O0
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) January 24, 2024
When asked about the recovery of the disease Owen said, “I would pay every cent I’ve got to make James see again.” He further added, “As a parent you just want everything to be perfect – and he is – but of course, it was a sad time.”
Claiming how hard was it to watch the treatment he said, “You’re pushing your son forward to get something you know is going to be painful. It’s just horrible to see. You want to take all the pain away.” However, the Owen family is now calmer than before because of James’ mentality.
Talking about his son’s mentality he said, “He’s just mentally very strong, he’s got a great mindset. I’ve got four children and I’m probably the least worried about James’s future.” Claiming despite his condition he has been going strong. And is a massive pillar in making his family strong as well.
Despite James having been diagnosed with such a disease. He has been going strong and is looking to help others by educating them about the disease and helping them understand the process and the treatment.
Michael Owen to release a documentary with his son
James Owen during the interview disclosed that he would have loved to become a soccer player just like his dad. But unfortunately, because of this disease, he wasn’t able to. Talking about what had happened to him he said, “I struggle with seeing different colors and different lights.” He further added that he has good peripheral vision but the central vision is blurry.
Despite such conditions, James has not let this disease take over his life. He said, “When people meet me they wouldn’t think I have a visual impairment… It’s something I live with, to be honest.” To fulfill his dream, James recently took part in a futsal competition.
Michael Owen and his son, James, explore sight loss and football in an inspiring new documentary 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞, where they talk about his son’s disease
The documentary is to be released on January 30th, 2024.
It would be telecasted on TNT Sports. pic.twitter.com/1KROsavQZU— AndreWhatYouDoing (@ManUtdHorrorDay) January 24, 2024
The documentary, “Football is for Everyone“, to be released on January 30th, 2024, is about this competition only. The competition he took part in was a partially impaired futsal competition. Not to be confused with blind soccer, it consisted of players with some level of sight.
Talking about the experience he said, “I know there was some point where I got megged [ball through the legs] and scored an own goal from it. It was not a great moment.” With this moment and even James got to fulfill his dream.
later James revealed that he had stepped back from futsal. He is looking to put his feet across the business world. Hoping to be a business owner in the future. Not leaving his ambitions away, James showcases how determined he is about his future despite having such a disease.