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Liverpool ace Michael Owen is footie's hottest property. But even though he's storming ahead of David Beckham in the superbabe stakes, it doesn't look like our Mike's gonna get too big for his boots. " I have no inspirations to be a model. I'd much rather be photographed in a muddy football kit, " says Michael. Make any suggestion to the angel-faced fella that he's become a pocket-sized pin-up and he turns crimson." It's flattering, but i certainly don't feel like a sex symbol, especially when i look in the mirror in the morning! " ?

The wee fella, nicknamed Midget Gem by his mates in school, was spotted by a Liverpool youth team director when he was a mere nine years old! He had to wait another three years before he was old enough to sigh with the Reds. Michael was obviously set for stardom when he then won a coveted place at the Football Association's School of Exvellence in Shropshire. " From as young as i can remember, the only thing i ever wanted to be was a professional footballer, " he admits.

Before he knew it, his dreams came true and he was making the headlines, scoring a wonder-goal against Argentina in the World Cup." Playing in the World Cup was an incredible experience. " says the cutie-pie. " A year before I'd only played for a few times for Liverpool, then i was playing in the World Cup finals, it was unbelievable. "

The man-of-the-match definitely isn't short of a bob or two - he's just signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool FC, making him the world's highest paid teenage player! So it's not surprising that Michael can now afford all the glamourous toys he wants. " When i came back from holidays with my family, i went to collect a Jaguar sports car which i am test driving at the moment, " he reveals.

Michael says that being the perfect pin-up hasn't changed him much. " I understand these things are part and parcel of a sportsman's life these days. But i am a professional footballer first and foremost, " he reminds us. Michael realised his life would never be the same when he came home from the World Cup and found over 100 cameramen camped on his doorstep! His performances on the field now earn him around 1,000 letters a day. Bless his mum though, she handles his fan mail and it's turned into a full-time occupation." My mum opens every letter and makes sure i reply, "he says. Good boy!

He's also had to adjust to being mobbed by people everywhere he goes." I've had some girls ask me for a kiss - which, to be honest, i found a bit embarrassing, " he confesses. " I can't go out without loads of girls coming up to me. Perhaps I'll start wearing a disguise! " Despite the attention, Michael's heart is well and truly taken? - by childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall.

" We've got a really great relationship, " he says. " I'm very lucky to have her." But there's no talk of wedding bells yet. " I'm only 18. I wouldn't consider that for a few yeats. But we're very much in love and have a great time together. "

Sorry girls, but this is one relationship that's definitely going strong.