Newcastle deny Owen get-out clause

Michael Owen, seen here in July 2005, admits he signed for Newcastle because he feared a move to Liverpool would break down and condemn him to another season on the Real Madrid subs' bench.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd denied they had given record signing Michael Owen a 12-month get-out clause in his four year deal.

Shepherd admitted Wednesday there are a series of clauses in the agreement which will govern his four-year stay on Tyneside, but none allowing a get-out after 12 months.

"I have heard a little rumour that Michael has a clause in his contract which states he can leave Newcastle United in one year's time," he said.

"I can tell you now that he hasn't. Of course Michael has clauses in his contract.

"In this day and age, all top players do - Alan Shearer does. But that is not one of them.

"We promised our supporters that we would sign a top-class striker and we have exceeded every expectation by signing Michael from Real Madrid on a four-year contract."

The Magpies unveiled the 25-year-old England striker on Wednesday after completing an estimated 17 million pound deal with Real Madrid for the former Liverpool idol.

Owen said he was looking forward to a new chapter in his career.

"I've had a bit of a head-spinning couple of days," the England striker said.

"There were three great clubs in the frame but the further it got towards to the deadline the more it became clear Newcastle was going to be my destination.

Michael Owen, seen here in April 2005, admits he signed for Newcastle because he feared a move to Liverpool would break down and condemn him to another season on the Real Madrid subs' bench.

"At the end of it all I thought the best for my future was to move to Newcastle.

"I've been honest from the start. I have an obvious attachment to Liverpool and if that deal could have happened it would have been one big option but as the deadline approached it didn't seem that would be possible.

"When it came down to Real Madrid or Newcastle there was no question in my mind. I didn't have a decision to make.

"I want to play football, I love the Premiership, I've missed it while I've been away."

Owen admitted Alan Shearer had played a major part in his decision to move to the north-east.

"He's been a good friend for a long time,'' Owen added.

"It's his last season here and it will be an honour to play with him.

As for Liverpool, Owen added: "I still have friends there. They will always be a part of my life because I played there so long but this is a new chapter."