Sacchi's Real sadness as Owen leaves

Real Madrid sporting director Arrigo Sacchi is “upset” by Owen’s departure and insisted the club were satisfied with his performances.

“We are upset because we’ve lost a great professional, a top-class player who was always very positive,” Sacchi, the former Italy and AC Milan manager, told the club’s website.

“Real Madrid were happy with him and we would like to thank him for everything he has done here and wish him the very best in the future.

“He asked us if he could leave because it is a World Cup year and he wasn’t going to play here regularly. We didn’t want to loan him out and it was only when a big offer was made did that we accepted the idea of selling him.”