Owen's Loyalty Put To The Test

Last updated : 09 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Yes it's there ... but we've known it from the start. Shepherd told Owen at the press conference when he first signed not to answer questions on his contract when the reporters got wind of certain "clauses". In fact it got a bit embarrassing like a teacher telling off a child.

Now those very same reporters are suggesting Owen could be on his way out of Newcastle in the summer.

The England striker's contract states that he can leave the club for a cut-price £9m transfer fee and was included as part the deal which brought him to St James' Park in a £16million move from Real Madrid in August 2005.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all thought to be monitoring the situation and would be able to offer Owen Champions League football.

But the striker insists he will remain loyal to the club after playing only 12 games for them in two injury-plagued seasons on Tyneside.

Owen: "For the first hour when I did my cruciate, my first feeling was one of guilt, to the chairman and the fans and even down to the people who sponsor your boots and invest so much in you.

"I'm one of those people who feel sorry for others before they think of themselves. Hopefully I can make up for lost time."