Owen said: "It is bound to be a strange day because of my long association with Liverpool, although the Kop has welcomed back plenty of old boys. I am sure they will understand that I will be 100% committed to the other team.
"Oddly enough, I remember a conversation with Jamie Carragher a while back when we saw a player looking downcast after scoring against his old club. I don't think either of us could understand that and, if I score, I will celebrate as joyfully as I did at West Ham United last Saturday.
"I won't shy away or feel guilty or embarrassed, but nor will I be running over to the Liverpool bench and sticking two fingers up. Why should I? Rafael Benitez was very decent and straightforward when I left for Real Madrid and, in August, he attempted to buy me back. Why should I hold anything against him or anyone else at Anfield?"