Retiring Michael Owen has insisted that he "loved" playing for Newcastle United.

The 33-year-old made headlines over the weekend following posts that he made on Twitter regarding his departure from St James' Park to Manchester United in the summer of 2009.

However, despite all the negativity that has surrounded his four-year stint on Tyneside, Owen has admitted that he enjoyed playing for the Toon Army.

"Newcastle is a bit of a sore point in many ways. I had a great four years up there. I was captain for a large part of that and loved it. It's a real footballing part of the world," he told Sky Sports News.

"The real problem I have is that I get booed by a certain section when I go back. Then I get questioned after and it is a bit sore because you feel as if you tried your best there and you want to stick up for yourself.

"I loved my time up there though and it's a shame it always gets spun into negative comments."

Owen scored 30 times for Newcastle from his 79 appearances.