Cape Town - England legends and former team-mates Michael Owen and Alan Shearer became involved in a public spat on Twitter over their time together at Newcastle United.
In an extract from his new book, Reboot - My Life, My Time, serialised by The Mirror, Owen revealed that his move to Newcastle United from Real Madrid was a step down in his career and a move that he regretted.
Owen spent four years at Newcastle and was part of the side that got relegated at the end of the 2008/2009 season, where Shearer was the interim manager for the final eight games.
The Ballon d'Or winner sensationally went on to reveal that his once-close relationship with Shearer broke down when Shearer requested him to play the final game of the season in an attempt to avoid relegation, when not fully fit.
"He [Shearer] was brought in at St. James' Park as the saviour, the local boy, Owen said. "It could have been a great story. But he failed. Newcastle United were relegated. Perhaps rather than examine his own shortcomings, it felt easier to blame Michael Owen.
"I was a week away from fitness for the final game of the season that saw Newcastle needing a point at Aston Villa to avoid relegation.
"I told him that I wasn’t fully fit but was prepared to play. As I left his office that day, he made an insinuation that led me to believe he thought I had half an eye on my next contract.
"I'm not stupid – we both knew I was out of contract in a few weeks.
"It wasn’t until three months later, I discovered that Alan Shearer was apparently seething with me. Not only that, it transpired that he was telling anyone who'd listen what he thought of me.
Shearer took exception to Owen's comments and hit back on Twitter which kicked off a war of words between the two England legends.
Yes Michael, we thought that also, whilst on £120k a week..... @nufc https://t.co/bzzEDdjdN1 pic.twitter.com/I4CdsQcKKr
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 3, 2019
Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate. I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out. https://t.co/ZQBrlojeEv
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) September 3, 2019