India, April 6 -- There is still an aura around Michael Owen, and a vast fan following wherever the former England striker goes. It has been no different in India this weekend. On Sunday, Owen featured in a 'Legends Faceoff' exhibition fixture between former Real Madrid and Barcelona stalwarts. He donned the white of Real, for whom he played in the 2004-05 season.

But for a player considered one of the best strikers of his generation, Owen, 45, asserted that had he been a present day professional, he would probably not be allowed to feature as a centre-forward. His club career ran from 1996 to 2013; For England, he played from 1998 to 2008, becoming the then youngest player for his country.

"The game has changed, the role of the striker...