Former Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has explained the stories over his chopper during his time at St James' Park.

With a big family back in the North West, Owen explained his motives for why he snapped up a chopper during his United days.

Owen told the Sunday Sun: "The Press picked up on the fact I'd bought a helicopter and it's very easy to think that.

"It was an easy stick to beat me with. But I've got a massive family.

"At the time I had young kids and I'm one of five children and my mum and dad wanted to watch me wherever I played. I wanted to make it easy for them."

Owen has also reflected on just how proud his dad Terry and mother Jeanette were to see him pull on the black-and-white stripes at St James' and follow in the footsteps of Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn.

He said "They wanted to watch me in every game I played for Newcastle - and they did. My family were coming to Newcastle so we thought it was sensible to get the helicopter.

"To say I was up and down is a myth. It was mainly for my family to come and watch me."