By Tyne-Talk
May 15 2009

Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has dismissed media reports that he is preparing to retire from football at the end of the season after failing to make the England team, a string of injuries and his contract with the club ending. Manager Alan Shearer also had his say on the issue.

Owen's management team, Wasserman Media Group released the following statement;

"Any suggestion or unfounded speculation that Michael Owen has any intention of quitting football is totally untrue and wrong. Michael remains as committed to his football career as he ever has been and is deeply and professionally offended that anyone should suggest otherwise.

Michael Owen has instructed lawyers this evening [Thursday] and will take action against any publication which he feels inaccurately or unfairly suggested he is quitting football and is damaging to his professional reputation."

Shearer said of the speculation;

"I understand why the question has been asked about Michael because he needs a goal, just like every centre-forward needs goals.

But once he gets one, then I am sure the rest will follow. We have got to keep on creating chances and if we do that I have no doubt about that."

He added that the best way to silence the critics is to prove them wrong, he said;

"Go out and score goals. The player has always got the last opportunity to go out and do the business on the football pitch.

He (Owen) always as the chance to have the last laugh. My mind will never change with Michael Owen - if you give him chances, eventually he will score goals, I have no doubt about that."

Owen Denies Retirement Talk

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 15/05/2009 18:41

TyneTalk
15/05/2009 18:41

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i!
15/05/2009 18:52

That's a bit of a heavy handed response isn't it? Makes me wonder if it's not far off the truth... Couldn't have seen it otherwise...


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senyabtoon
15/05/2009 21:26

this story is absolute rubbish about him hanging his boots us he still has other clubs to goto and raid there bank balances in form or not

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nufctrotter73
15/05/2009 21:50

michael owen is the new robbie fowler. he peaked too young and for half his career got a lot of niggly injuries now fowler at just 33 is in australia winding down his career, i can see owen retiring after next contract whether here or elsewhere. its not just the injuries which has damaged his brilliant career its also since he bought the stables too in my opinion

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Biffins Bridge
15/05/2009 22:06

No doubt he isnt the same player he was and Im not sure he is worth a new contract at even half what he is on now, but....

Most strikers would struggle with our midfield and when they are not providing anything he drops deeper to try and help out which doesnt help when the ball does finally make it into the box.

Shearer is right and if we can provide for him he would bang them away. Again, just not sure how much he wants it and if he is worth it.

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nufctrotter73
15/05/2009 22:20

WHAT MICHAEL OWEN NEEDS WHETHER HERE OR NOT IS A PLAYER LIKE STEVEN GERRARD , SOMEONE HE CAN CONNECT WITH AS HE HAD A GREAT UNDERSTANDING WITH AT LIVERPOOL WHICH HE HAS NEVER HAD AT UNITED. GERRARD KNEW MICHAELS STRENGTHS

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OnTheLevee
16/05/2009 08:45

Owen has had chances to score goals and he hasn't done so. The Portsmouth game he had the best opportunity of the game one v one with the keeper 15 yards out and made a hash of it. I'm starting to think he's finished, but in saying that, I've never been a fan of his anyway.

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TOONTILLIDIE
16/05/2009 13:26

No way Owen is going to retire, somebody will take him, he has a good goal scoring record even for us it has been only the last dozen games he has went off the boil. Would consider keeping him if he was an a pay as you play contract and a massively reduced wage

If he wanted to have more then he can go and F@*k @ff

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Gallowgate Luke
16/05/2009 15:04

I couldnt give two fu<ks to be honest.
He'll be off our wage bill very shortly which paves the way for us to land some new talent who actually wants to play for our club.

Michael Owen can go and play on Rockall for all I care.

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