Owen denies Real Madrid clear-out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael Owen has dismissed speculation that Real Madrid are planning to off-load him and England colleagues David Beckham and Jonathan Woodgate as part of a clear-out at the end of the season. There had been reports that Real's new coach, Wanderley Luxemburgo, was not keen on keeping the three Englishmen and would look to sell them.
"I don't think he [Luxemburgo] has seen me play so I don't know how some English papers have come to that conclusion," Owen said. "I haven't seen it suggested in Spain, but it is an interesting story for the English papers. We haven't played much football since the winter break so it is hard for the manager to see what I or the rest can do."
Sources close to Real have dismissed any suggestion that the club is considering selling the three players. The reports are, in fact likely to have stemmed from a bogus story published by Spanish sports daily, AS, and issued on 28 December, the Spanish equivalent of April Fool's Day.
The paper claimed that Real would try to sell Owen, Beckham and Woodgate to Barcelona in return for their former striker Samuel Eto'o.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments