MICHAEL Owen claimed yesterday that he had been made to feel like a “criminal” because of all his injuries.
Manchester United’s free-transfer signing from Newcastle revealed his shock at the criticism he has received and suggestions that he is a spent force.
The England striker said: “I’ve had more stick in the last couple of months and it’s been bitter and nasty. Sometimes you feel almost like a criminal because of the amount of stick I’ve had.
“I always get labelled with injuries, but I have played more than 500 games in my career for club and country. In the last two seasons, I have played 33 and 32 games for Newcastle.
“Well, we only played 38 a season in the league, we weren’t in Europe and we didn’t go very far in the cups, so I didn’t miss that many.
“But as a footballer, you always get the chance to have the last laugh and I’m totally confident about the future.”
Owen added: “I’m not silly - I know there will be some people saying that maybe Sir Alex Ferguson shouldn’t have signed me.
“But as soon as the first game kicks off, I can do my talking on the pitch. Iíve joined a fantastic team with fantastic players - that’s why they have all won so much.
“Hopefully, I can jump on the bandwagon, score a few goals and help us to further success.”