Michael Owen was honoured for his services to sport
Newcastle striker Michael Owen has been awarded an honorary fellowship from the new Glyndwr University in Wrexham.
Owen, 28, was born in nearby Chester but grew up in the town of Hawarden and admitted it was a pleasure to have been part of the ceremony.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward said: "I am absolutely delighted to be honoured.
"It is a real privilege for me to receive an honorary fellowship from the university near my home village."
With 8,000 students, Glyndwr University has become the 10th university in Wales following its upgrade from a college.
Owen added: "I feel very proud of the fact that the former North East Wales Institute now has university status and that I am one of the first to be honoured by this new establishment."
His achievements have served as an inspiration to thousands of young people
Vice-chancellor Professor Michael Scott
Owen joined Newcastle from Spanish side Real Madrid for a fee of �16m in August 2005.
He began his career on Merseyside with Liverpool and has 88 England caps, scoring 40 goals.
University vice-chancellor Professor Michael Scott added: "I'm delighted that we are honouring Michael for his services to sport.
"His achievements have served as an inspiration to thousands of young people.
"His goal against Argentina in 1998 and his hat-trick against Germany in the 5-1 win in 2001 will I'm sure live long in the memory.
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