http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news...cle193233.html
I've not really slated Owen too much over this move, but 
Michael Owen slates fans for double standards ahead of Anfield return with Manchester United
Michael Owen has vowed to celebrate if he scores against former club Liverpool and accused modern football fans of double standards.
Owen returns to Liverpool on Sunday for the first time since joining their arch rivals Manchester United on a free transfer from Newcastle last summer.
The 29-year-old will face a hostile reception from the Anfield crowd but claimed he only has an affinity with former clubs Real Madrid and Newcastle - not Liverpool.
"I'm human," said Owen. "I'd prefer people to sit down and recognise what you did for them and for the team in years gone past but I'm pretty realistic as well.
"Now that I'm playing for their local rivals - I'm not holding my breath, put it that way.
"People talk about loyalty in football, and for a football supporter it's easy to preach about that.
"As a father and a brother and a son there's no-one more loyal than me.
"But when you're a player, you're not a fan. I've got to earn a living, provide for my family.
"I supported Everton as a kid. I never supported Real Madrid, but I played for them. It's a job opportunity, just like anyone else's work.
"The longer you're at a team, if the fans make you feel welcome and the players take to you, then you build an affinity.
"So now obviously I look for Real Madrid results and Newcastle results, but it doesn't make me any less loyal to Manchester United."
Owen admitted he is desperate to go to the World Cup next summer and pointed to his past international record as justification for his inclusion in Fabio Capello's final 23-man squad.
"I'm hopeful but the last thing I want is to be campaigning," said Owen.
"Everyone can see how many games I've played, how many goals I've scored, how many World Cups I've been in, my record against strong opponents in big games.
"Everyone can see everything with their own eyes. There are no secrets with me. I've played 89 games, I've scored 40 goals.
"Everyone knows if I play I'm likely to score every other game. Playing in a World Cup wouldn't bother me. In fact, I'd raise my game, as has happened before in big games.
"I like big games. For some reason I find an extra certain percentage. Everyone knows these things."
United fly to Russia today for Wednesday's Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow with several players set to miss the trip.
Injured players Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher are all likely to be left behind to ensure they are fully fit for the trip to Liverpool.
Michael Owen has vowed to celebrate if he scores against former club Liverpool and accused modern football fans of double standards.
Owen returns to Liverpool on Sunday for the first time since joining their arch rivals Manchester United on a free transfer from Newcastle last summer.
The 29-year-old will face a hostile reception from the Anfield crowd but claimed he only has an affinity with former clubs Real Madrid and Newcastle - not Liverpool.
"I'm human," said Owen. "I'd prefer people to sit down and recognise what you did for them and for the team in years gone past but I'm pretty realistic as well.
"Now that I'm playing for their local rivals - I'm not holding my breath, put it that way.
"People talk about loyalty in football, and for a football supporter it's easy to preach about that.
"As a father and a brother and a son there's no-one more loyal than me.
"But when you're a player, you're not a fan. I've got to earn a living, provide for my family.
"I supported Everton as a kid. I never supported Real Madrid, but I played for them. It's a job opportunity, just like anyone else's work.
"The longer you're at a team, if the fans make you feel welcome and the players take to you, then you build an affinity.
"So now obviously I look for Real Madrid results and Newcastle results, but it doesn't make me any less loyal to Manchester United."
Owen admitted he is desperate to go to the World Cup next summer and pointed to his past international record as justification for his inclusion in Fabio Capello's final 23-man squad.
"I'm hopeful but the last thing I want is to be campaigning," said Owen.
"Everyone can see how many games I've played, how many goals I've scored, how many World Cups I've been in, my record against strong opponents in big games.
"Everyone can see everything with their own eyes. There are no secrets with me. I've played 89 games, I've scored 40 goals.
"Everyone knows if I play I'm likely to score every other game. Playing in a World Cup wouldn't bother me. In fact, I'd raise my game, as has happened before in big games.
"I like big games. For some reason I find an extra certain percentage. Everyone knows these things."
United fly to Russia today for Wednesday's Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow with several players set to miss the trip.
Injured players Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher are all likely to be left behind to ensure they are fully fit for the trip to Liverpool.
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