Owen given Real backing
Real Madrid goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez has paid tribute to Michael Owen.
Real Madrid's Cesar Sanchez has paid tribute to Michael Owen after the English striker scored his third match-winning goal in as many games on Wednesday night.The 33-year-old goalkeeper is impressed with the way that Owen has settled in his new surroundings, despite being criticised by the media.
Owen netted his third goal in eight days to give Madrid a 2-1 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey, to add to his crucial strikes against Dynamo Kiev and Valencia.
"When someone joins a team like Real Madrid, everything is massive, it can be a big shock and it is necessary to adapt quickly," Cesar explained.
"He is a shy person, but he has settled in very well and I think that the goals will be a big help to him.
"He has a lot of confidence and everyone is helping him to acclimatise and I think that he will become a very important player for Real Madrid."
Despite being only a bit-part player as stand-in for Spanish national keeper Iker Casillas at the Bernabeu, Cesar claimed that he is happy to stay at the club.
"I am here to contribute when I can," he continued. "Whenever the coach decides to pick me I will do my best.
"Of course, I am ambitious and would love to play all the time, but it is a long season and there will be time.
"Iker has been playing well in Europe and in the league, so I will just have to wait for my chance."
