Owen set to stay at Liverpool

Liverpool striker Michael Owen has made a pledge to his club that he has no intention of sitting out his contract and leaving on a free transfer at the end of next season.

The England international has been linked with a possible move to several clubs in Europe, but the 24-year-old was quoted in the British media on Tuesday as saying he had no plans to leave Anfield.

"We will sort something out amicably next summer," Owen told the Daily Express.

"I won't just up and leave on a Bosman (free transfer). I have the rest of this season and all next still left on my existing contract but talks have already started on a new one.

"Inevitably, they are complex though and don't get done in just a week. But I certainly see myself at Liverpool next year. Why not?"

"I'm not in football for the money. And that is largely what it means when players sit out their contracts and go for free. I've got a reasonable collection of trophies already, but I want more and that's the main thing in my mind."

"I read that the manager (Gerard Houllier) says he expects me to go abroad at some stage and I certainly would not rule anything out. I am very ambitious and want to play at the highest level but there is now reason that can't be with Liverpool."

With Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expected to invest around $100 million in the club, his ambition may be realised.

"If there is money coming in, maybe the club look like they mean business and are going places," he added.

"It is obvious the other three big clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United) have opened up a gap over us and things have to be done to bridge that.

"We certainly need to improve. Finishing fourth and getting into the Champions League is a must, but we cannot settle for that."

"When the dust settles it has still been a bad season. We have taken a step back and now we need to take two steps forward."

Owen is also looking forward to this summer's European Championships in Portugal and despite facing favourite's France in their opening fixture on June 13, he remains confident of his country's chances.

"We are one of half-a-dozen select sides who can win it," Owen said.

"France are the favourites but I'm not backing them. We are certainly not scared of them and know we are a very good side which has probably been a bit young in previous championships."

"I feel we can beat anyone on our day now."