In a Daily Mail interview, ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid player Michael Owen disclosed that his son, James, faces an incurable health condition, rendering him ‘clinically’ blind. At 17, James, who aspired to be a footballer, had to abandon his career at the age of eight.
At the age of eight, James Owen received a diagnosis of Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition with no cure, impacting eyesight. It happens when fatty material builds up on the macula, the small part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. Due to this, James had to prematurely end his football career. Subsequently, the condition led to him being ‘clinically’ blind by the age of 17.
I kept playing, but Stargardt's is a deterioration so after a while it just got to the point where I knew I couldn't make a career out of it. I was starting to... I wouldn't say get worse but everyone else was getting better. I kind of lost enjoyment out of it from that point of view. I used to play quite often but I don't play any more. James Owen told the Mirror
James’ condition and his struggle will be shared through a documentary, which will be released ahead of the 2023 IBSA World Games. Ahead of its release, Michael spoke about his son’s condition, by exclaiming that he often changed the subject whenever anyone inquired about his son’s football career. The ex-Ballon d’Or winner commended his son’s determination in coping with Stargardt.
That's probably been the hardest thing over the years. James probably wasn't enjoying football as much as he should have been because he wasn't as good as he should have been. When he was very young and his eyes were probably slightly better than they are now and the pitches were smaller and everything was a lot closer so he could see the ball better, he was very, very good.
He added that initially, James showed great potential as a player, but after the diagnosis, he felt more disinterested in the game, and this became a source of sorrow for the former United star.
Michael Owen and his son’s effort to raise awareness about the disease will be covered by TNT Sports, with 17-year-old James speaking about the illness in a documentary named ‘Football is For Everyone’.
Michael Owen makes major Premier League title prediction
Former Liverpool forward, Michael Owen made a major prediction regarding the winner of the 2023-24 Premier League season, claiming that Manchester City remain front-runner to win the title, but the Reds are firmly in contention to challenge for it.
Owen predicted that the gap between the two teams would be smaller compared to the previous season. Manchester City clinched the Premier League title last season, with a five-point margin over Arsenal, finishing the season with 89 points. Owen claimed that the 2023-24 season would be as close as the 2021-22 season, where City edged past the Reds by a point to win the title.
Liverpool, currently leading the PL table, has demonstrated strong collective performance with their new-look midfield featuring players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch.
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