Did Michael Owen Really Want To Join Newcastle? The Answer From The Man Himself

As reported by the Chronicle, Michael Owen has spoken about his transfer from Real Madrid to Newcastle, in an interview with Sky Sports.

The 37-year-old, former England star,  was asked about his transfer and said:  “Liverpool was in my blood and I wanted to go back to Liverpool,”

“Me and Rafa Benitez met, tried to make it work but basically Newcastle came in with a big offer and turned Real Madrid’s head with £16m.

“They only paid £8m for me, 12 months earlier.

“Liverpool, quite understandably, didn’t want to pay double.”

However, Owen was quick to point out that he saw positives in his move to Tyneside, adding: "Once I decided Newcastle I got a real buzz back in my stomach, knowing I’d be playing in front of a passionate set of fans back in the Premier League,”

“And I was playing alongside Alan Shearer.

“You wouldn’t be human if that didn’t give you a real lift and a real buzz.”