Robbie Fowler, one of England’s most talented strikers of the ’90s, recently shared reflections on his football career and departure from Liverpool, revealing a lingering regret. Although Fowler grew up as an Everton fan, he joined Liverpool’s academy at just 11 years old, making his senior debut seven years later in a League Cup win over Fulham.
He quickly became a household name, famously scoring five goals in one match against Fulham, cementing his status as one of the best finishers in England.
In his early years at Liverpool, Fowler enjoyed immense success, with more than 30 goals in his first three full seasons. However, his time at the club took a downturn when Gerard Houllier arrived as joint manager in 1998.
By the 2000-01 season, Fowler found himself sidelined, with Houllier preferring Emile Heskey and Michael Owen over him. This lack of playing time eventually led to his exit, joining Leeds United in December 2001.
Fowler candidly admitted his frustrations with Houllier’s approach. “I wasn’t the nicest person when I wasn’t playing,” Fowler confessed. “I’d argue with Houllier every day because I felt I should be on the pitch. But I don’t resent him. I just wanted to play and score goals.”
His career took him to Leeds United and later Manchester City before a brief return to Liverpool. Unfortunately, injuries and loss of form meant Fowler never recaptured his early brilliance.
Despite this, his tally of 163 goals in 379 Premier League matches leaves him among the top scorers in league history. However, Fowler still feels he should have ranked higher on that list.
“I should have been higher than ninth,” he reflected. “Injuries cost me. Hip, knee, ankle surgeries, and back pain affected me, and it hurts to know I wasn’t the player I once was.” Despite the setbacks, Fowler believes he would’ve continued to score goals if he had been given more opportunities, leaving him with a sense of regret for what might have been.