England striker Michael Owen put pen to paper today to complete his transfer to Real Madrid and seal a surprising new turn in his career.
Owen passed a medical in Madrid late last night and signed a four-year contract at an official unveiling this afternoon to conclude a €12 million move from Liverpool.
The 24-year-old former European Footballer of the Year's move from Liverpool came after a remarkable day in English soccer yesterday, which began with Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira looking the more likely "galactico" signing. The Frenchman, however, announced he would stay at Arsenal and Owen's transfer from Liverpool picked up pace.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has praised Michael Owen's move to Real Madrid from Liverpool, saying the new challenge will benefit the striker.
"I think it's very good for him," Eriksson told the Football Association website.
"He's been at Liverpool all his life, so he might need a new challenge, and this is a challenge, a big one, so I think it's good for him."
Owen, who has won 60 caps and scored 26 goals, will join England team mate and captain David Beckham at Real, and Eriksson said the move to Spain would not affect the forward's involvement with the national squad. Eriksson thought the presence of Beckham, who moved to Madrid for up to E35 million last year, would help Owen settle in.
"They have known each other very well for many years. I think the fact that Beckham has been there for one year will help Michael Owen settle in much better," he said.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
