"It is nice of Steven to say what he thinks of me, but someone else makes those decisions," Owen said.

"I am happy here, as I have always said. I made a decision last summer to come here and have loved every minute," he added.

The England international was a fans' favorite during his time at the Anfield Road before making a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid where he failed to establish himself as a regular player.

Owen then was close to return to Reds but Newcastle were the ones who expressed a serious interest in acquiring the services of the prolific striker.

Liverpool are struggling in front of goal this campaign, the form which prompted their skipper Gerrard to issue a plea for Owen to come back home.

"Stevie has said they need a striker, or that they need to score more goals," Owen said.

"He's a good friend of mine, so I'd expect him to say 'Michael Owen is a good player' because I would say the same about him," he added.