Michael Owen shares sweet message to celebrate lookalike son's birthday

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Michael Owen wished his only son with his childhood sweetheart Louise Bosnall a happy birthday on Monday.

The former England footballer, 43, shared a photo of himself on Instagram with his 17-year-old son as the pair celebrated James' birthday.

Michael captioned the sweet post: "Happy Birthday @_james_owen10. What a man you're turning in to. #ProudDad."

The England legend's former teammate John Terry commented: "Happy Birthday James."

James was diagnosed as clinically blind in 2019.

It's reported he suffers from Stargardt disease, a rare illness that affects one in 8,000 people.

The Liverpool striker has previously opened up on his son's condition to The Times.

He shared: "[James] will never be a footballer. My son's got an eye condition.

Michael Owen wished his son a happy birthday (@themichaelowen/Instagram)

Michael with his four childen - Gemma, James, Emily and Jessica - and wife Louise (themichaelowen/Instagram)

"I've never said this. I don't want a big headline. Clinically he's blind. He's got Stargardt disease, a degeneration of his retina.

"I used to go and watch him and b*****k him about his positioning.

"He can't see the ball until it's five yards away. As much as every father wants their son to play, it is almost a relief to me.

"Everyone always asks, 'Is he going to be a footballer?' and then I stand on the side of the pitch and hear, 'He's not as good as his dad.'"

Michael's daughter Gemma Owen was a runner-up on Love Island 2022 (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

They celebrated James' birthday with the family

Michael's oldest child Gemma was a runner-up with Luca Bish in Love Island 2022.

Gemma was seen returning to her passion last month after being seen competing in a dressage competition in Leicestershire.

The Love Island star split from Luca in November just months after leaving the villa as runner-ups.

Michael with his childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall (Getty)

Gemma and Luca split up last year (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Competitive sport runs in the family with Michael's second-oldest daughter a keen sportswoman.

The former England footballer regularly gushes over his children's achievements on social media.

Last year, Emily became a 60m indoor champion, a 100m winner at county level and came third in the English girls under 15s 100m race.

Michael's youngest daughter Jessica appears to be following in Gemma's footsteps.

During Gemma's stint on Love Island, Michael posted an image on Instagram of Jessica riding.

He captioned it: "While the eldest is away, my youngest is progressing well on her pride and joy, Jigsaw. Well done @jess_0wen."

Michael married his childhood sweetheart Louise Bosnall in 2005 after meeting in 1984 at school.