Good interview with Michael Owen in the Mag. He talks about being committed to Newcastle and wonders why he has to say this constantly.
To be fair to Michael he’s never talked badly about the club but his poor appearances record has worried fans.
There was so much talk about him leaving during the summer that at one point it looked like he would actually leave – but Michael says that was never the case.
Michael Owen – says he’s always been committed to Newcastle
Some validity to Owen leaving was given by Sam Allardyce, who said he couldn’t keep him if indeed he wanted to leave, because of the release clause in his contract.
If Michael can regain his best form this season then hopefully we can extend his contract and take that release clause out – but that’s dependent on Michael producing the goods for Newcastle. Certainly we do expect Michael to have an injury-free season as Sam will take no chances with him – as some have done in the past just to have him playing.
Michael told The Mag:
“I have only ever said positive things about Newcastle and always been 100 per cent committed.â€
“Whenever I have been doubted I’ve always responded the best way I know by scoring goals. But I’m stubborn and won’t be bullied into saying things.â€
“I don’t feel I should keep coming out every week and saying I’m loving this, that or the other.â€
“There was no speculation until various pieces came out in the media saying ‘if Michael Owen doesn’t say this, then I’ll tell him that Chelsea and Liverpool aren’t interested.â€
“My management company used to get phone calls from boardroom level saying I haven’t done this or I haven’t done that, or we want more interviews on this.â€
“But when I’m injured I just put up a shield and take the abuse and remember who said it.”
Good interview and a goal today from Michael (with a win and clean sheet) would have a lot of fans enjoying a drink in Newcastle after the game – let’s rephrase that – really enjoying a few drinks in Newcastle 😀
6 comments so far
Graeme
Aug 18, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Comment #1All Owen has to do is stert playing football again for the Toon. Form is temporary; class is permanent. No matter what people say, Michael Owen is a class act and has proved it time and time again. Once BSA has him fully fit, we will see the difference and reap the benefit.
We have one of the best front lines in the Prem; just give him a chance to prove how good he is.
dan
Aug 18, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Comment #2Thats what we all wanted to hear. This guy goes about things in the right way i think – lets his football do the talking! its just a shame that he hasn’t been able to do that much because of injury lately.
Jeff D
Aug 18, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Comment #3Michael Owen is right! He shouldnt have to keep pledging his future with the toon.He has a playing contract for 5 years.Get out clause or not he is a toon player.I cant understand why a 5 year playing contract isnt a big enough statement in its self to some fans.Lets just enjoy his undoubted talent on the pitch, hopefully injury free for a good while.
Shaun d
Aug 18, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Comment #4Great news – but at the time he still should have said something – it’s easy to say now the clause is deactivated – he’s a class act and I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt
george t
Aug 18, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Comment #5Once michael owen scores a couple of goals all this nonsence will be forgotten. It should have been put out to grass long ago. Iagree with JEFF D
LETS ENJOY HIS GOALSCORING TALENTS AND AN INJURY FREE SEASON.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MightyMilburn
Aug 18, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Comment #6A fit Mickey Owen is one of the best (if not THE best) strikers coming out of England.. Whether or not he is committed or not.. We all know that his heart belongs to ‘Pool, so if they ever come knocking on the door – he’ll pack his bags faster than speeding bullet..
But there’s nothing wrong with that.. The guy grew up in ‘Pool, and despite being a Everton fan as a kid, “his” club is Liverpool.. and thats perfectly understandable..
All I care about is whether or not he is committed to the cause (read: NUFC) right now.. Dont like to say that he owes us (NUFC and the supporters) anything because he was not at fault for being injured the majority of his time at the club.. I want him to produce the goods on the pitch – sign a new contract without the minimum fee clause – so when/if we sell him we can recoup the majority the transfer fee we paid to Madrid..
So Mickey.. you are a class act (when fit), and I do hope that you will have a great season with the Toon.. However, should you leave and we get 16 m in return I wont having trouble falling asleep at night..