Owen plays down departure rumours

Striker Michael Owen has attempted to quash speculation about his Real Madrid future, claiming he has no intention of leaving the Bernabeu this summer.

The 25-year-old England hitman has brushed aside recent rumours linking him with a move back to the Premiership, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly interested in acquiring the striker.

Owen has failed to hold down a first team place in Wanderley Luxemburgo’s side despite scoring 13 league goals in his debut campaign in the Primera Liga.

“I have never said that I want to leave,” Owen told the club’s official website, www.realmadrid.com. “It’s the English press that are placing me away from Madrid.”

Owen was delighted to have hit the target yesterday, the former Liverpool star scoring the opening goal as Madrid beat Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 in a friendly match on their summer tour.

“I am very happy,” he said. “We have played well and I have scored.”

Owen is now looking forward to the second stage of the tour, which will see Real arrive in Peking on Tuesday.

“It’s going to be a long journey,” he added, “but we have many fans there so it will be good.”