NOVEMBER 16
Owen
not ready to quit Anfield
PA
Michael Owen has poured cold water on reports that he is ready
to walk out on Liverpool if the Reds fail to qualify for next
season’s Champions League.
Owen has yet to commit his long-term future to the Anfield club,
with his current contract having just 18 months left to run.
However, the England striker revealed talks are going well over a
new deal and insists he has has had no contact with Real Madrid
and has no intention of joining another Premiership club.
“After Steven Gerrard signed his new contract, it was inevitable
all the attention would turn to me and my future,” Owen told the
News of the World.
“The stories which followed resulted from some comments which I
gave to a magazine several months ago. Some of the words I never
even said and the rest were taken completely out of context.
“They have led to a lot of false claims that I will walk out on
Liverpool if we don’t get into the Champions League. It has all
got completely out of hand.
“I want every supporter to know that I am as committed to
Liverpool as any player at the club. I have been the same ever
since I first came to Anfield as an 11-year-old.”
Owen is confident he can achieve his ambitions at Anfield.
He added: “I believe my ambitions can be fulfilled at Liverpool. I
find it a little insulting that, after 12 years’ service, my
loyalty is being questioned.
“I have signed five contracts with Liverpool and on each occasion
they have been sorted out very quickly and satisfactorily.
“The comments which have been made about me this week have come
from people who don’t know the truth.
“I wouldn’t normally comment on gossip and speculation but I felt
I should put the record straight for all Liverpool fans.
“I am certain 99% of them understand the situation anyway. But,
as usual, these stories have been fuelled by people that simply
don’t know the facts.”
NOVEMBER 13
Tosh: Owen
must quit Reds
ITV - Football
Liverpool legend John Toshack believes Michael Owen should quit
the Anfield club if he to win trophies.
The England striker, who has just 18 months left on his current
contract with the club, hit the headlines this week after hinting
that he might have to consider his future because of Liverpool's
lack of ambition.
However, Reds manager Gerard Houllier insisted that Owen will sign
a new deal, despite the 23-year-old stalling to sign the dotted
line.
Reports also claimed the Spanish giants Real Madrid are planning a
£25million bid for the striker, but the Frenchman vowed not to
sell his most prized asset, even if Real offered £52m.
Of course, this could see Liverpool lose Owen on a free, which is
exactly how they lost Steve McManaman in 1999, ironically when he
moved to Real Madrid as well.
And now Toshack believes Owen too, maust move if he wants to be
playing Champions League football on a regular basis.
He told The Sun: "It really would not be in Michael's interests to
sign an extension at this stage.
"Personally, I think it is still possible for Liverpool to qualify
this season, but they face a real dilemma over Michael's future.
"I would advise any British player to sample life on the
continent at the highest level if they get the opportunity. And I
would say the same to Steven Gerrard, even though he has signed a
new deal at Liverpool.
"Playing and living abroad makes you a more mature person. A new
culture, a new environment and a new language. All these things
are major factors. And there is the football. Who would not want
to play for Real Madrid?"
Toshack also feels that it is unfair to question the striker's
loyalty, as ambition will always take priority in situations like
this.
He added: "It is not about loyalty. Michael has demonstrated
his commitment to Liverpool. But I understand what he means when
he says he needs to be playing Champions League football.
"The money is secondary because the top British players are well
looked after at home. However, you cannot put a price on ambition.
Of course it would hurt Liverpool if he left, but the fans would
not be on his back.
"Nobody criticised Rushie (Ian Rush) and Kevin Keegan before him
when they moved abroad and they were playing for a Liverpool team
which won championships and European Cups.
"Michael has won neither yet and unless they can convince him both
are still possible at Liverpool how could anyone blame him for
trying to achieve his dreams elsewhere?"
NOVEMBER 12
Reds rubbish
Owen rumours
Football 365
Liverpool have rubbished claims that Michael Owen has indicated
that he is on the verge of leaving the club.
Quotes from Owen seemed to suggest that he is ready to leave
Anfield unless they reach the Champions League - but the club
claim that his quotes were taken out of context.
The England striker spoke to Shoot Monthly magazine several months
ago and the quotes appeared on Wednesday morning in national
newspapers and on every website and radio station - the day after
captain Steven Gerrard had signed a new contract keeping him at
the club until 2007.
But the magazine editor and the club insist that the theme of the
original magazine interview was Owen's happiness - rather than his
unhappiness - at Liverpool.
"Michael suggested nothing to us but happiness and a desire to
move Liverpool forward and up the league," said Shoot editor Colin
Mitchell.
The club have now published the quotes in their entirety on their
official website.
Owen actually told Shoot Monthly: "It is impossible to say about
my future at Liverpool. If they are winning the League every year,
there will not be any decision to make about playing abroad. I
have moved into a new house and my family are close by. I have
lived there all my life and you don't just jump up and go.
"I am happy at the moment and if we have a successful team I will
always be happy. Foreign players are all up for moving over here
and I don't blame them. We've got such an exciting league and the
lifestyle is good.
"I think it's a lot more disciplined and demanding in Italy. You
are never at home and are preparing for days before the game.
"It's certainly a different culture and some people are scared to
do it, especially if you have been at a club for a long time. You
get deep feelings for the place.
"Maybe there will be more people go abroad now David Beckham
has. People seem to go in patches, but I am very happy at
Liverpool.
"There is no problem now. In an ideal situation Liverpool will do
really well this season and challenge for the league. I really
need to be playing in the Champions League and that's something we
have to remedy."
NOVEMBER 12
Kennedy: Michael could get g-Owen
Sky Sports
Alan Kennedy has told Sky Sports News that Liverpool must get
the Michael Owen situation sorted - or face losing him for
nothing.
The England striker has warned the Anfield club that he may not
sign a new deal unless they can offer him Champions League
football - and has been linked with a £25milion move to Real
Madrid.
His current contract runs out in 18 months time and former Kop
favourite Kennedy has warned Gerard Houllier that the longer the
uncertainty goes on, the less they will get for Owen if he does
decide leave.
"I don't think it's a threat but basically he has tasted Champions
League football over the past three seasons and he wants more of
it," he said. "But I can see a similar situation to five or six
years ago when Steve McManaman walked away for nothing and signed
for Real Madrid.
"They don't want that because Michael Owen is a commodity for
Liverpool Football Club and the way things are at the moment, he
has said he'll look elsewhere for Champions League football.
"The longer it goes on, the more his value decreases because in
18 months time he will become a free agent and he can move to any
club he wants to."
But Kennedy does not believe Owen will sell Liverpool short even
if he does decide to leave, but is worried that a vast improvement
is needed to keep him - despite the news that Steven Gerrard has
committed himself to the club until 2007.
"There's still a long way to go and a lot of negoations need to be
done, but his longtime friend Steven Gerrard has signed a
long-term contract and committed himself to the club - and most
other players have as well," he said.
"Liverpool need to secure the services of Michael Owen. The
money side is irrelevant, it's what Michael Owen wants from
Liverpool and if they can't produce Champions League football then
he may have to look elsewhere."
NOVEMBER 12
Owen
drops Liverpool exit hint
BBC Sport Online
Michael Owen has hinted he may move to a foreign club if
Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The England striker, who has 18 months left on his contract,
suggested the club must improve their form if he is to sign a new
deal.
"In an ideal situation, Liverpool will do well this season and
challenge for the league," said Owen.
"But I really need to be playing in the Champions League and that
is something we have to remedy.
"I have never doubted my own ability. I've done the business at
the top level before.
"I don't want to be just a normal professional. I aim to reach the
top and to do that you've got to play against the best teams in
the world."
Boss Gerard Houllier has repeatedly insisted that both Owen and
Steven Gerrard would sign a new contract at Anfield.
Liverpool captain Gerrard signed a new contract on Tuesday which
ties him to the club until 2007.
But while Owen said there was "no problem now", he added: "It
is impossible to say about my future at Liverpool.
"If they are winning the league every year, there will not be any
decision to make about playing abroad."
Real Madrid and Chelsea are said to be interested in signing Owen
from Liverpool, who would be faced with a decision between selling
their biggest asset early or see him leave on a free contract in
the summer of 2005 if talks do not progress.
Liverpool are lying eighth in the Premiership table, 13 points
behind leaders Arsenal and four points off fourth place, the final
Champions League qualifying spot.
NOVEMBER 2
Houllier:
Owen going nowhere
Sporting Life
Gerard Houllier has insisted Liverpool's determination to tie
Michael Owen to a new contract would not be tested even if Real
Madrid bid a world-record £52million for the England striker.
Reports in Sunday's papers claimed the Spanish giants were
preparing a £25million swoop to partner Owen with England captain
David Beckham.
But Houllier says the Merseysiders' desire to extend Owen's deal -
which has 18 months to run - would be just as strong even if Real
reverse the reported figures and table a £52million offer.
The Frenchman said: "Even if they phoned me with the figure quoted
- or even if it was reversed, we'd still want to keep Michael.
"I'm convinced he wants to stay and, at some point, we'll find a
conclusion (to contract talks).
"There's no deadline. We want to keep Michael, we love him in
Liverpool and I'm sure we'll get an agreement at some stage."
Owen, not yet fully fit after last weekend's ankle injury,
performed in Sunday's dramatic 2-1 success against 10-man Fulham
at Loftus Road.
Houllier now plans to persuade Owen to stay by showing concern for
his wellbeing.
"Michael's already had three or four contracts here and the main
words are trust and care," Houllier said.
"Players look at the vision of the club, the environment,
facilities and staff.
"Michael's only 23 and his best could come at 26 or 27. He tries
to do what you ask him to and he's improved his heading and left
foot."
SEPTEMBER 2
Owen cool on new
deal
BBC Sport Online
Liverpool are poised to open contract talks with Michael Owen -
but the England striker is unlikely to make a quick decision on
his Anfield future.
Boss Gerard Houllier is desperate to keep Owen at Anfield after he
underlined his importance to Liverpool once more with two goals in
the 3-0 Merseyside derby win at Everton.
And Owen - who has 22 months left on his current £60,000-a-week
deal - confirmed that talks are scheduled with the Liverpool
board.
He said: "The club has indicated they are ready to talk. We
haven't set a date yet, but I am sure we will discuss things
soon."
It is understood talks will begin shortly before Christmas - but
the indications are that there will be no swift conclusion.
Owen has hinted he wants positive proof that Liverpool will be
genuine title contenders before he commits himself to another
long-term contract.
Liverpool's failure to qualify for the Champions League this
season left Owen bitterly disappointed and admitting he feared
time was running out to claim the game's top honours.
There have also been suggestions that Liverpool's perceived
defensive style left him starved of service.
And he said: "You are only as good as the service you get. All
strikers need chances and it had been hard not having a single
sight of goal in those opening games."
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