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One of England's main strikers Michael Owen's World Cup ended earlier than expected. The 26-year-old footballer suffered a serious knee injury and will not play for several months.
Owen, playing for his club, got injured yesterday during the World Cup match with the Swedes. While passing the ball to a teammate, the striker landed awkwardly on his leg and had to leave the field in the fourth minute of the match. He was replaced by Peter Crouch.
"Of course, it's very difficult to get such an injury and end the World Cup appearance," Owen said. "As soon as it happened, I realized that it won't end well."
The footballer has already left for England, where he will start a rehabilitation program with the Newcastle team.
"It's a pity to leave the guys in Germany, but I believe they will succeed. I will carefully watch every match and support the team, let's hope for the road to the final in Berlin," he said.
"Now my main goal is to recover as quickly as possible and play for Newcastle," Owen added.
Owen has practically not played since Christmas when he injured his foot in a Premier League match. He returned to the field only at the end of April and had not yet reached his best physical form, which led to some criticism for his performance in the World Cup.
"Owen has had bad luck with injuries since Christmas," coach Sven-Göran Eriksson said. "It's a shame that he will miss the rest of the World Cup - it's a big blow not only to him but also to the team.
"But he is a true professional and mentally strong person, so I am sure he will work hard and try to recover as quickly as possible."
