Knee operation will not end my career, vows Owen

England striker Michael Owen lies on the pitch after injuring his right knee during the World Cup match against Sweden in June 2006. Owen has revealed that the operation on his knee will not bring an end to his career.

Michael Owen has revealed that the operation on his knee will not bring an end to his career.

Owen, who had the cruciate ligament operation performed earlier this month in the United States, told The Times newspaper how he was given the good news as soon as he came round at the clinic in Denver.

"When I came round after my cruciate ligament operation the surgeon was standing by my bedside.

"'Whatever makes you retire from football it won't be your knee', he told me straight away.

"Coming from a man as respected as Dr Richard Steadman that was the perfect way to wake up.

"Perhaps it was walking into his office and seeing all the signed shirts and thank-you letters from dozens of grateful sportsmen, including plenty of familiar names, Alan Shearer, Henrik Larsson, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Craig Bellamy."

Owen, 26, added that he had recevied a lot of support from England boss Steve McClaren since rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament during the 2-2 draw with Sweden in the World Cup in June.

"Steve McClaren has been supportive, inviting me to drop by the England team hotel before the game against Andorra. It's nice to know that people are willing you to return, although I have been impressed at how the boys have played without myself or Wayne Rooney.

"It will be frustrating watching others rattle in goals for club and country but I am fortunate in that I don't suffer low periods when I am out with injuries.

"That is part of the mental strength that has served me so well, and which I am certain will see me banging in the goals in 2007."