Owen signing was 'final straw' for Morientes

Fernando Morientes admits that the arrival of former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was the signing that finally signalled the end of his Real Madrid career.

And the irony is that Morientes has now arrived at Anfield as Owen’s replacement claiming that the England striker, along with his friend and former clubmate Steve McManaman, were instruemental in selling Liverpool to him.

In fact, McManaman, who also quit Anfield for Real Madrid before returning to join Manchester City, has already taken Morientes for dinner to explain about life on Merseyside.

Owen’s summer move to Spain pushed Morientes further down the Real Madrid pecking order and was the catalyst to this week’s £6.3m (€9m) move for the 28-year-old to Merseyside.

Morientes said: ““Perhaps people are right, Michael Owen’s arriving in Madrid was the final straw for me but there were other reasons that I have left. The biggest one is that when you are a professional you want to be out on the pitch.

“I have not been getting a regular role and as a player you want to be part of the ups and downs of the team, to feel part of it all and perhapss that was really the reason I thought seriously about leaving.

“What attracted me is playing in the Premier League. Everyone the world over knows about Liverpool and what a great club they are and that is what really impressed me.

“When the offer first came in during December I decided then and there that I wanted to play for Liverpool. I was determined it would happen. It is a challenge and one I hope will be a successful one.”

Morientes said: “I asked Michael Owen all about Liverpool, and what it is like to live here. In particular things outside of football. Important things like schools for my children and all the things you worry about when going to a new country and new team.

“Everything he said was very positive and it helped me make up my mind. And last night I had dinner with my old Madrid team mate Steve McManaman. He has told me all about the club, and the game with Manchester United, and all the things I need to know about living and playing in Liverpool.”

Now Morientes cannot wait for his Anfield debut against Manchester United, although he admits he is short of match practice.

He said: “I am fit but the last full game I played was last season’s Champions League Final for Monaco against Porto.

“But I am very, very happy and satisfied to be here. After eight unforgettable years in Madrid is is difficult but I am a professional and this is a very good move in my career.

“It was a key decision for me but a well thought out decision and that is why I am here and looking forward to a new part of my career.

“I knew about Rafa (Benitez) from his time in Spain and also his time at Madrid when he ran the youth sides. I also knew players from the national side who had worked with him and also (Antonio) Nunez who had been with me at Madrid.

“I am ready for any challenge and although I have not played full games for a while desire and adrenalin will carry you through and it will get me through against Manchester United.

“The fact that Rafa knows me and knows what I can do was decisive for me. It is good to know that a manager is so determined to sign you and make you part of his future plans.

“Liverpool has been really unfortunate with injuries but I hope I can help them get over that and I believe that Milan Baros and myself will be a good pairing.”