Owen happy with life at Liverpool

England striker Michael Owen has rubbished newspaper speculation that he wants to leave Liverpool after 12 years at the club.

Owen, who missed Sunday's friendly international against Denmark because of an ankle injury, has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea in recent weeks amid rumours that he is stalling on signing a new contract.

But the 23-year-old has pledged his loyalty to the Anfield club he joined as an 11-year-old even though they are not playing in the Champions League and are 13 points off premier league leaders Arsenal.

"I believe my ambitions can be fulfilled at Liverpool," Owen told the News of the World. "I find it a little insulting that after 12 years service my loyalty is being questioned."

"I wouldn't normally comment on gossip and speculation, but I felt I should put the record straight."

"We have slipped behind in the title race but it is too early to write us off. Of course I want to play in the Champions League, but I have never said I will leave if we don't qualify."

Owen has 18 months left to run on his current contract and he says talks are underway about a new one.

"The initial talks were very positive and encouraging and they will continue next year," added Owen. "There are plenty of good reasons why I should want to stay at Liverpool."

"I have never been happier with my life off the field, I became a dad for the first time and I've just moved into a new house."

"As far as speculation linking me to Spanish clubs is concerned I can't comment because I don't know anything about it."

"I'm still only 23 and, hopefully I still have a lot of time left in my career to weigh up those kind of possibilities."

"But I know that I could not see myself playing for another premier league club at this stage of my career."