Owen: 'Shearer role was vital'

Michael Owen has revealed Alan Shearer even offered to give up Newcastle’s famous number nine jersey in a bid to persuade him to move to St James’ Park.

The England striker had openly admitted he favoured a return to Liverpool from Real Madrid but was won over by the Magpies when visiting Tyneside on Monday.

“Alan was a great help throughout and instrumental in my decision,” writes Owen in The Times.

“I had spoken to him many times over the past few weeks and he should work for the Newcastle tourist board when he finishes playing football.

“He even offered to give up his number nine shirt but I have declined. Number 10 will do for me.

“I will regard playing alongside him in his last season as an honour. He has been, and still is, a great striker and there is no way that Newcastle should be where they are in the table with that calibre of player.”

Owen admits he was also taken aback by the response he has already received from the Toon Army after agreeing terms on a four-year deal.

He added: “I have been watching the TV and seen the queues at the club shop. From what I can tell 99% of the fans are delighted that I have chosen Newcastle and are not wondering about how I got there.

“I have a lot of good memories of scoring goals at St James’ Park – including a hat-trick on my first visit with Liverpool.

“I was clapped off by the home fans that afternoon and I only hope I can give them plenty of other reasons to cheer me.

“It will be like winning the World Cup to win a trophy.”

Former Liverpool star Phil Thompson admitted he was “gutted” after learning Owen had ruled out a return to the Reds.

He told Sky Sports News: “I honestly thought, like most Liverpudlians, that he was coming back to Liverpool.

“Newcastle was always his second choice but somehow, some way it’s all turned itself round.

“He had meetings with Newcastle and with Liverpool and apparently Rafa (Benitez), and I think the big thing is that he’s guaranteed to play every week at Newcastle.”