Hotshot Owen signs new Liverpool contract
( 2001-09-27 10:17 ) (7 )

Michael Owen has signed a new contract with Liverpool that will keep him at the English premier league club until 2005. "I am delighted to sign this new contract," the 21-year-old England international, one of Europe's most coveted strikers, said on Wednesday. "There's never been a thought in my mind about any club other than Liverpool." Owen's current contract was due expire in two years' time, but he has been in discussion with Liverpool over a new deal since the end of last season.

A former Liverpool trainee, he has scored 92 goals in 172 games for the club.

Media reports have claimed his new deal is worth in excess of 50,000 pounds ($73,670) a week, making him one of the highest-paid players in English football.

"I'm only 21 and yet this is the fourth professional contract I have signed with the club," added Owen, who is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of action for at least three weeks.

INCREDIBLY FAIR

"They have always been incredibly fair by reviewing contracts early and I think this is one of the many reasons there is such loyalty at Liverpool."

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier warmly welcomed the news, which came minutes before his team were due to kick off their Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev at Anfield on Wednesday.

"This is marvellous news for the whole club and its fans," the Frenchman said.

"Michael has repeatedly said he wanted to stay at Liverpool and the fact he's put pen to paper demonstrates his belief in what we're building here and the vision we have for the club.

"We all know what he's capable of producing and after our success last season, he's hungry for further honours at Anfield.

"Michael is obviously going to be a key figure for us in the future and with so many other young players here, this is a side that is going to get better and better."

Owen has scored 13 goals this season, including a hat-trick in England's sensational 5-1 win over Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Munich on September 1.

After bursting on to the international scene with a wonder goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, Owen has now scored 14 goals in 32 internationals.

Last season, he scored twice in Liverpool's FA Cup final win over Arsenal and helped the side clinch a historic treble, which also included the League and UEFA Cups.

"After the great end to last season the whole squad is determined to bring more silverware to Merseyside and I want to play my part in giving our fantastic supporters even more to shout about," Owen said.