Michael Owen has warned Liverpool they must qualify for the Champions League if he is to follow Steven Gerrards lead by pledging his long-term future at Anfield.
Gerrard, who had 18 months to run on his previous deal, signed a new four-year contract last night that will increase his weekly wage package from around 30,000 to nearer 55,000. But, while Liverpool hoped their 23-year-old captains eagerness to commit to the club would encourage Owen to do likewise, the England striker remains distinctly non-committal.
I dont want to be just a normal professional, said Owen, whose contract expires in the summer of 2005. I aim to reach the top and, to do that, you have to play well against the best teams in the world.
Its impossible to say about my future at Liverpool. If they were winning the league every year there would not be any decision to make about playing abroad.
There is no problem now. In an ideal situation Liverpool would do really well this season and challenge for the league. I really need to be playing in the Champions League and that is something we have to remedy.
Rumours persist as to Real Madrids interest in the striker, and he has made no secret of his desire to play on the continent at some stage.
Liverpools stuttering start to the season they are 13 points from the summit in eighth place having lost at home to the top three will hardly have improved the prospects of Owen signing up.
Skipper Gerrard though insisted the Merseysiders remain on track to challenge for domestic honours. If I didnt feel the club was going forward then maybe I would have thought about not re-signing for Liverpool.
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