Sven Spills The Beans On Owen!

Last updated : 15 January 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor




Notably for Toon fans, the comment that Michael Owen only joined Newcastle for the money.

Amongst other things, Eriksson reportedly told an undercover News of the World reporter - posing as a rich Arab - that he would quit as England coach if they win the World Cup this summer, and suggested he would be prepared to become manager of Aston Villa as part of a takeover bid.

As for Owen, we all know the story. He wasn't impressed by Graeme Souness and only signed after a chat with Alan Shearer. He waited until it was confirmed Liverpool refused to increase their £8m bid to take him to Anfield because Liverpool was his first choice. And we all know he refuses to move to Newcastle, instead he spent millions on a helicopter to comute. Plus that "interesting" clause in his contract.

So ... is Eriksson wrong? Personally I think he has just said what we all know already. But it's the comments that Owen is not happy with the club that will hurt us most.

The coach made reference to Owen, who joined Newcastle in a £17 million transfer from Madrid in August after a deal could not be struck with his former club Liverpool.

"I asked him if he was happy. He said 'not really with the club'."