£103,000 a week, but the return has been poor. And Michael Owen says he owes Toon fans "big style".
Owen insists he will not only return to his best after his cruciate knee ligament surgery but believes his career will be extended by the operation.
The 26-year-old England international is aiming for a return to action in April after renowned Colorado-based surgeon Dr Richard Steadman repaired the joint damaged in the summer's World Cup.
Owen: "I want to be back to what I've been for the last 10 years. Twenty years ago if you had this injury you were finished, but now it's a 99% success rate.
"Obviously I want this right for the rest of my career and that is the most important thing. But the plus side is that with the extra strength the operation will give me, I could get another couple of years added to the end of my career."