Ouch! Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Signs Michael Owen

Any footy-fan with a soul will remember Michael Owen's wonder-strike against Argentina back in 1998. Remember how he picked up Beckham's pass? Remember how the tiny, then Scouser, barged through the blue'n'white defence? Remember being astonished at how one so young (he was 19, for the gods' sakes!) could do that? For England? Well, if not you can't really be blamed - it was nearly a decade ago.

Anyway, nine years on and the lad Owen is to reach possibly greater heights of adulation as he joins pimply Portuguese pass-master, Cristiano Ronaldo on the front cover of the U.K. version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Phew!

Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer Team Leader, Jon Murphy, says, “Securing Michael Owen is a real coup for Konami. Since he burst on to the scene, he has proven himself an incredible goal-scorer, netting at every level both domestic and international."

And what of the currently Novacastrian Owen himself? How does he feel about being back in video games since we last saw him in Michael Owen's World League Soccer 2000 back in, well, 2000?

“PES 2008 is a fantastic game, and the only choice for pro players", is the chap Owen's considered take. “It enjoys a brilliant reputation within many, many players and manages to be a true simulation of football while also being a real laugh to play. I look forward to working closely with Konami in the run up to launch, and being a key part of its development.”

We also look forward to seeing the young man, Owen, in his virtual finery comes PES 2008 - let's hope they don't have to remodel that little electronic carriage thing that used to carry people whose anterior cruciate ligaments have popped.

Don't forget to check out the latest PES 2008 info on our dedicated page here.