Real Madrid's Owen: I'm not here to sit on bench for 4 years

Michael Owen says he intends to make a major mark on Real Madrid over the next four years.

The England international again fronted the Madrid media yesterday to launch his autobiography and said: "I have not come here to lose four years of my life and to sit on the bench. I needed to play for the best team of the world."

"I am 24 years old and I want to reach the top here. I will not be happy until I am successful in Madrid and I play really well. When I retire, I want people to recognise that I played with Madrid, the best club in the world."

"Ever since I was ten years old, I wanted to be the best player in the world. There's still plenty in front of me, but if you want success, then you must get out of the comfort zone."

"For that reason I joined Madrid. It was only for pure ambition."

Owen also revealed: "I looked around at my first training session and saw Raul, Ronaldo and Figo. Last Friday I was very nervous having my first training session with them."

He concluded: "I'm not interested in doing things by half. I want to learn Spanish, to buy a house. My fiancée and my baby will remain here from the first day and my parents will often visit also. I'm here to bring great success to Real Madrid."