Michael Owen, who has often been thought to have regarded Newcastle United as a bolt-hole rather than a long-term home, has suggested for the first time he will see out his four-year contract at St James' Park. He also hinted he might be persuaded to stay longer than that and said he could play for Newcastle this season.
Recuperating from the knee ligament injuries suffered at the World Cup, Owen, attending a dinner at the Wallsend Boys Club, said: "In terms of how long I stay at Newcastle, I'm here as long as everybody wants me. I had four years on my contract when I signed last year, so I would say at least that length of time and then you'd have to ask the chairman for the rest."
Owen, 27 in December, said his family had settled well in the north-east and that this would be a major factor. "I do really enjoy Newcastle as a place," said Owen. "I have two children who go to school here and they love it. Any parent knows if your children are happy, then you are happy. In terms of myself, I get out a little bit around Newcastle with a few of the lads occasionally . . . I am enjoying it here and, even though I have only played 10 or so games, when I have played it has been good. I have scored seven goals and we picked up a lot of points along the way."
Owen's tone contrasted sharply with last December when, in the build-up to his first return to Liverpool, his advisers did nothing to refute stories regarding a get-out clause in his contract amid speculation, partly fuelled by Rafael Benitez, that Owen might be at Anfield again permanently soon. The price in his buy-out clause is understood, as is routine, to decrease as the end of the contract moves closer. Owen's reception at Anfield on St Stephen's Day was cool with some hostility and then, five days later at White Hart Lane, Owen fractured a foot bone in a collision with the Tottenham goalkeeper, Paul Robinson.
That kept Owen out for four months and when he did return it was for only 29 minutes at Birmingham City. Owen recovered in time to win a place in England's World Cup squad but the knee damage against Sweden means he has started 10 Premiership games since his £17.5 million transfer from Real Madrid. Two of those ended prematurely and even as single-minded a character as Owen must feel a sense of loyalty to Newcastle.
Back from a successful operation in Colorado, Owen said his rehabilitation is progressing: "I've had five weeks since my final operation and that means I might be back in six or seven months if everything goes fine. I could play again this season, which would be nice."
