Owen Gone?

Mystery surrounds so-called demise of former star

Owen: Before being transformed by fame

How most of us will remember him

Unsavoury

Michael Owen is dead, according to unsubstantiated reports on football gossip website The Onion Bag. The shattering news comes just days after the faded star had announced his comeback tour.

King of Kop

Michael found fame at a young age, when at just seven years old he was selected in England's 1998 World Cup squad. Young Michael turned everything he touched into goals and became an instant superstar.

Bubbles

In recent years, however, Michael has become more famous for repeatedly going under the surgeon's knife, and more worryingly, dogged by constant allegations about an unsavoury interest in horses. The rumours forced Michael to became a near recluse, moving to Newcastle, hundreds of miles away from civilisation.

Ever the showman though, Michael, amazed his fans last week by coming out of self-imposed exile and announced a year of sell-out dates at Old Trafford.

Duck Butter

Fans of the diminutive striker are holding a candlelit vigil outside his Seldomeverland Stables in Chester as a mark of respect, many refusing to believe he's really gone.

Sp3ktor