Owen: Ready for any challenge that lies ahead

He said, "People ask me if I was disappointed that Liverpool won the European Cup while Real Madrid won nothing. I was delighted for Liverpool - especially for the fans and my many friends there. But if I had to make the decision again, I would still have chosen Real."

But the doubt over his future at the Bernabeu was clear as Owen discussed the upcoming World Cup Finals in 2006.

"For now, I am assuming that I will be starting next season with Real but if not, I want to be ready for any challenge that lies ahead," he said.

Owen added, "However, knowing the importance of World Cup finals year, they (Real Madrid) said that if there was a possible transfer that suited everyone, I had their permission to explore it, but there was no pressure to make any decision that did not suit me. This information was conveyed to a small group of clubs and we have until August 31 to see if anything happens.

And Owen confirmed that he does want to return to the Premiership at some point in the future.

"Regardless of what happens this summer, I would like to return to the Premiership one day. Already I feel that my time abroad has matured me and I believe that when I do return, it will be as a better player," he said.