Source: Telegraph
ewcastle's Michael Owen rubbishes Jose Mourinho claims
Michael Owen has defended himself following Jose Mourinho's claim that the Newcastle United captain "is no longer the Owen we all knew".[LNB]Owen, 29, hit back after the Inter Milan manager refuted reports he was interested in taking the striker to the San Siro because of the injuries that have blighted his time on Tyneside and curbed his penalty area prowess.[LNB]"You can look at stats whichever way you want but in general I have had a good year really in terms of games and goals," Owen said.[LNB]"I have only missed four in the last calendar year. Considering what is said about me, it can paint a false picture. Just to miss four games in a year is good and my goal ratio is good too, it has been a good year from that point of view." [LNB]Owen has gone four games without a goal but still boasts a return of nine goals from 14 matches this term for struggling Newcastle who face West Ham today before hosting Hull in their FA Cup replay next Wednesday.[LNB]He added: These are the important games, especially at home. We need to make them count. We need three points. It's a big week for us with the FA Cup replay coming up.[LNB]"Two wins would be lovely. We'd be right up there bordering on mid-table and through to the next round of the Cup with a home tie to look forward to.[LNB]"I had a couple of chances at Hull, one good and two half chances, I would normally expect to stick one of three away but it was not to be. Thankfully, we kept a clean sheet.[LNB]"Now it's West Ham at home and hopefully we can create a few chances and I am always confident of sticking the ball in the back of the net." [LNB]Owen is widely expected to leave Newcastle this summer after snubbing a contract offer and is grateful for the support the club's fans have shown him despite his delaying a final decision.[LNB]"I appreciate reception I have had from fans," Owen added. "They are a big part of this club, more so than any other and all the lads are indebted to them for showing their support, but me more than anyone, right from the start when I first signed.[LNB]"Despite some troubled times, it has been good since. It's fantastic to get their backing, I think they realise I have not said I want to go, I will fight for the cause, just like I did last season when a bit of a battle at the bottom."[LNB]
