Michael Owen’s Very Special Specialis
Last year, while he was judging the entries to our competition to customise a pair of Speciali boots, Michael Owen casually mentioned that he’d love to have a pair featuring a picture of his favourite horse, who happens to be called Speciali! Once we heard this, we knew that we had to get the boots made, and set about getting a picture of the horse, shaping it to fit the boots, and getting them produced. Here’s what the soles featuring Speciali look like:
Yesterday, Michael was here in Manchester for a photo shoot, so we thought that it’d be the perfect time to give him the finished boots as a belated 30th birthday present. As you can see in this shakily filmed video, he was certainly impressed with the finished product:
Michael is currently working his way back to fitness with the aim of being ready for pre-season training in the summer, and we hope that his new Specialis give him a boost as he continues his recuperation from injury. After we’d passed on the boots, we had a quick chat with the Manchester United and England man about why Speciali means so much to him.
So Michael, what’s so special about Speciali the horse?
“I think he was the third horse I ever bought, when I came back from the World Cup in 1998. One was named Etienne Lady, after the goal I scored against Argentina in St. Etienne, and the other one I bought then was named Speciali after my boots. He was one and-a-half then, so I think he’s thirteen now and we’ve still got him – that picture is from our paddocks at home.”
How was he for racing?
“He’s a bit like his owner, he’s always injured! My wife rides him now, and my eldest daughter will probably be riding him in a year or so when she gets big enough. He’s like a member of the family really, we love all our horses but he’s got a special place in our hearts.”
Are you looking forward to playing in the boots?
“I certainly am, I will be coming back with a bang wearing them! They’re great looking boots, with a touch of the personal side. My rehab is in full swing now, but I should be ready to start pre-season with the rest of the lads.”
On 14 Apr 2010, at 10:24 am Jeff wrote:
Brilliant. Are you releasing the design as a limited edition?
On 15 Apr 2010, at 8:55 pm Rob Carey wrote:
Is that a comb over Michael?
On 16 Apr 2010, at 2:41 pm Alex Blaney wrote:
Michael Owen turns 30. Jeez I’m getting old.
Ha. Good luck with the rehab Michael, the country needs some proper ambassadors like yourself.
On 18 Apr 2010, at 5:16 pm Michael Owen Receives Unique Umbro Specialis | Soccer Cleats 101 wrote:
[...] Check out the rest of the story on Umbro’s blog. [...]
On 19 Apr 2010, at 1:32 pm Umbro Blog – Getting Shirty: When Players Get Creative wrote:
[...] will do almost anything for a player, should they choose to wear the brand. For Michael Owen’s birthday, he got given a pair of custom-made Specialis with a specially commissioned photograph of his [...]
On 4 May 2010, at 2:52 pm Anonymous wrote:
CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU AT THE WORLD CUP SHOP LAUNCH ON SATURDAY 8TH MAY 2010 IN MANCHESTER. I WILL BE THE ONE WEARING THE OWEN SHIRT!!!
On 15 Dec 2010, at 10:43 pm Andy wrote:
That’s such an awesome gift – great idea, Umbro. It looks like he really appreciated it.
On 23 Sep 2011, at 11:47 pm Poachers in the Michael Owen mould are heading for extinction | David Lacey | Latest World Football News wrote:
[...] later Continued here: Poachers in the Michael Owen mould are heading for extinction | David Lacey Strikers in the modern game have to do more than just score goals like Jimmy Greaves – some comfo…gifted striker but a natural scorer would not have missed the open goal that the Spaniard scorned [...]