Owen moved to Newcastle from Real Madrid for �16m in August

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has been quoted as saying the 26-year-old does not enjoy playing for the Magpies.

But Owen, who returned to light training on Tuesday, told Newcastle's website: "I am enjoying my time here.

"There is nothing like being in the Premiership and I have not been disappointed since I have been here."

Owen moved to the Magpies in a �16m summer move from Real Madrid and was given a hero's welcome by fans on Tyneside.

He added: "It was a fantastic reception I had here and I have loved every minute of it already.

I am looking at my next targets now. The next one is getting on the bike, then the treadmill, running, and then kicking the ball again Newcastle striker Michael Owen

"You always want to repay the fans for the support they have given you in producing good performances on the pitch. When I am fit I am sure I will do that.

"I have plenty of mates in the dressing room and the people have been great to me up here.

"I enjoyed my time at Real Madrid, but there is nothing like coming into a dressing room where you understand all the jokes and everything else."

Owen had surgery to repair his broken foot on 3 January and is expected to be sidelined for up to two more months - but he is already looking forward to his comeback.

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"I've had the stitches out, the cast is off, and it's all go now," he added.

"I am looking at my next targets now. The next one is getting on the bike, then the treadmill, running, and then kicking the ball again.

"As much as it still seems a few weeks away, I am looking forward to it already. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

"Thankfully I am going to be back for a decent part of the season and hopefully back into a team playing well. I'm excited about coming back already.