"It was never in our press" - Former Real Madrid star claims he did not know about Ballon d'Or until he won it

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen has admitted that he did not know about the Ballon d'Or until he won it. The former England international won the most prestigious individual award in world football in 2001.

Owen became only the fourth English player to win the Ballon d'Or after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan. He was only 21 years of age when he won the award, beating the likes of David Beckham, Luis Figo and Thierry Henry.

However, the former Real Madrid striker has revealed that he did not know what it meant to win the award back then. The former Liverpool attacker talkSPORT, as quoted by The Sun:

"When Gerard Houllier phoned me and said ‘You’ve won the Ballon d’Or’, I’m like ‘What’s that gaffer'? I didn’t know what the award was. I never did because I never even knew what it was. Back in those days it was never in our press."

Owen has also claimed that he truly understood the significance of the award during his Real Madrid days. He added:

"When I played for Real Madrid, it’s like an MBE, it follows you. Whenever they mention your name it’s Ballon d’Or winner. Abroad it is so big and it’s only just cottoned on here for the last five or ten years. It’s so much bigger in other countries, in foreign countries. It quickly sunk in how big it was."

Owen was one of the most gifted and lethal strikers of his era but consistent injury problems hampered the latter years of his career. He made 297 appearances for his boyhood club Liverpool, scoring 158 times and producing 51 assists.

The Englishman went on to play for Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City before hanging up his boots in 2013. He earned 89 caps for England and scored 40 times for the Three Lions.

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Real Madrid looking to hijack Arsenal's move for La Liga star: Reports

Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a summer move for Spain international Martin Zubimendi who has been heavily linked with Arsenal. As reported by Marca, Mikel Arteta's side have been tracking the Real Sociedad midfielder for a while but a deal is not finalised yet.

Now, the Gunners are in danger of missing out on the UEFA European Championship winner with Los Blancos ready to make a move. Zubimendi previously played under Xabi Alonso when he was in charge of Real Sociedad B side.

The 26-year-old has spent his entire career at Real Sociedad coming through the club's youth ranks. He has so far made 236 appearances for the LaLiga side, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists.