Owen: I'm staying
Owen has finally broken his silence over the exit rumours
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Thursday, 12, Jul 2007 10:02
Michael Owen has finally spoken out to deny rumours that he is on the verge of leaving Newcastle United this summer.
The England striker has been linked with several of the Premiership's most prestigious clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal and even a return to former club Liverpool, but he insists that he has no desire to leave St James' Park.
Despite being on the Magpies' books for two years the 27-year-old has managed to play in only 14 matches, although he has scored seven goals in that time and wants to prove to the Geordie faithful there is more to come.
"I believe that these can be good times to be at Newcastle, which is why I am more than happy to be here," he wrote in his column for The Times.
"There has been plenty of speculation about my future, but I can assure the Newcastle fans that I didn't start any of it.
"There was a lot of talk from other quarters and my attitude to rumour has always been to ignore it. I don't really feel that I should be responding all the time to stories in the newspapers and I certainly didn’t want to be forced into making comments.
"I prefer to let my actions speak for themselves and I just wish there had been more opportunities to show the Newcastle fans what I am capable of. I am sure that is to come this season."
Owen also hailed the arrival of former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce, who he said had revolutionised the training regime at the club.
"From what I have seen, Sam Allardyce is a great combination of British and foreign strengths, a man rooted in the English game who understands its passions but is also open to new ideas," Owen added.