Owen confirms spell at Newcastle is at an end

MICHAEL OWEN has confirmed he will leave Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The 29-year-old, who rejected a new deal at St James’ Park at the turn of the year, is to end his stay on Tyneside four years after making a club record £17million (€20m) switch from Real Madrid.

Owen’s decision comes as no surprise as the Magpies attempt to slash their wage bill in the wake of a disastrous relegation from the Barclays Premier League.