AC
06-05-2005, 07:09 AM
Martin Palmer
Sunday June 5, 2005
The Observer
Michael Owen has joined England colleague David Beckham in renewing his commitment to Real Madrid, despite continued speculation linking the striker with a move away from the Bernabéu.
Owen's England hat-trick against Colombia last week revived interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle - the latter having had a reported £18million bid rejected in May. But Owen, speaking at the end of England's American tour, insists he has no plans to leave Spain.
'I don't know why speculation keeps following me about my future. I'm really happy at Madrid. I've got no reason to want to come back. I've played more games than I thought and if I can do the same next year it'll be a bigger achievement than what I've done already.
'I'd like to think I'm a better player than this time a year ago and that I'm improving. Going to Spain has been a big positive for my career, I've got nothing bad to say about going out there.' Owen also believes the move has benefited England. 'Every time England get knocked out of a big tournament, the main reason everyone says is that we've got a long hard season in England, players playing 60 games and we need a winter break. We've got all these excuses but when someone comes back [like me] who's played 30-35 games and come on as a sub in 20, well that's about a perfect balance.'
David Beckham, meanwhile, has confirmed that he is seeking a contract extension to sure his future in Madrid.
'In July I'll be starting to negotiate with Real. They have told me they want to talk about a new contract with a view to finishing my career there. The sooner people stop asking me questions about leaving the better because I am secure and I'm staying.'
Sunday June 5, 2005
The Observer
Michael Owen has joined England colleague David Beckham in renewing his commitment to Real Madrid, despite continued speculation linking the striker with a move away from the Bernabéu.
Owen's England hat-trick against Colombia last week revived interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle - the latter having had a reported £18million bid rejected in May. But Owen, speaking at the end of England's American tour, insists he has no plans to leave Spain.
'I don't know why speculation keeps following me about my future. I'm really happy at Madrid. I've got no reason to want to come back. I've played more games than I thought and if I can do the same next year it'll be a bigger achievement than what I've done already.
'I'd like to think I'm a better player than this time a year ago and that I'm improving. Going to Spain has been a big positive for my career, I've got nothing bad to say about going out there.' Owen also believes the move has benefited England. 'Every time England get knocked out of a big tournament, the main reason everyone says is that we've got a long hard season in England, players playing 60 games and we need a winter break. We've got all these excuses but when someone comes back [like me] who's played 30-35 games and come on as a sub in 20, well that's about a perfect balance.'
David Beckham, meanwhile, has confirmed that he is seeking a contract extension to sure his future in Madrid.
'In July I'll be starting to negotiate with Real. They have told me they want to talk about a new contract with a view to finishing my career there. The sooner people stop asking me questions about leaving the better because I am secure and I'm staying.'