Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne admits he grew up a fan of former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

The Belgian was speaking after being named UEFA's midfielder of the year ahead of the Champions League draw, an accolade awarded following a vote by players across the competition based on last season's performance.

De Bruyne admitted he played as a striker as a child and looked up to Owen, who also featured for Man City's local rivals Manchester United during his career.

"When I was really young it was Michael Owen!" he told UEFA. "I was playing as a striker so it was similar at the time. When I became a midfielder I just loved the game but no one individual I really admired. I just liked football as a concept."