After passing a medical yesterday, Owen was unveiled in the Spanish capital earlier today, and Sven believes the transfer will work out well for his leading striker.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com for England TV Sven said the move could only be a positive for Owen.

"I think it's very good for him," he said. "He's been at Liverpool all his life, so he might need a new challenge, and this is a challenge, a big one, so I think it's good for him"

Owen joins England skipper David Beckham at Madrid, and Sven doesn't see the move effecting Owen's involvement with the England squad.

"Not at all. If you play for Liverpool, a big big club, or Real Madrid it really doesn't matter. It's only mentally for him. That you have a big challenge and you put out extra energy."

The move to Spain will doubtless be made easier by the presence of Beckham, who having already had one season at the Bernabeu, will be able to show Owen the ropes.

Sven continued: "Of course it will help. They know each other very well for many years. I think the fact that Beckham has been there for one year will help Michael Owen to settle in much much better."

To watch the full interview with Sven, click the link below.

14 August  2004      
Sven-Göran Eriksson on Owen