Michael Owen had no choice but to confront jokes about his daughter Gemma entering the Love Island villa ahead of England's clash against Germany on Tuesday evening.
Gemma, 19, is one of the favourites to win the popularity reality TV show thanks to her famous dad. Owen was working as a pundit for Channel 4's coverage of the Nations League game when a joke about his daughter's career was made by presenter Jules Breach just seconds into the programme.
"Joining me hoping to see another famous win for England tonight in Munich, England and Arsenal midfield Jordan Nobbs, former England, West Ham and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and the father of Love Island’s Gemma Owen," joked Breach as coverage started.
The new series of Love Island started on Monday evening, with Gemma one of 11 contestants currently in the iconic villa. Breach went on to ask Owen: "A big night for the Owen's last night Michael, how are you feeling?"
And former England international Owen was keen to move on from the inevitable jokes as he replied: "I came all the way to Germany to try and avoid all that back home, but it has been brought up straight away!
"But I am feeling alright. This is taking my mind off it so don’t bring it back up."
Owen was one of the finest strikers of his generation, playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke before hanging up his boots in the summer of 2013. He was also a regular for England, scoring 40 goals in 89 senior appearances.
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Owen won the Ballon d'Or in 2001 - the most illustrious individual prize in football - as well as nine trophies. His honours include the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Cup and three EFL Cups. He was also named the Best Young Player at the World Cup in 1998.
When asked about Gemma entering the Love Island villa earlier this month, Owen told ITV News: "I have no doubts that she will make us all proud. It’s probably a father’s worst nightmare, but whatever she wants to do. You've got to be supportive."
Owen added: "It’s been different without her in the house. I’ve got other kids and my wife and it’s been quite tough because she’s had to switch her phone off and we’ve had no contact for a couple of weeks so that’s been the hard bit.
"I’ve heard a lot about it. I think old, grumpy men like me will always have an opinion on it because I don’t watch it and you just hear the snippets, but she assures me that it’s not as bad as I think. So, we’ll give it a watch and I hope she enjoys herself."
Gemma told The Metro before entering the villa: "My dad said to me, 'I’m not going to tell you what you can and can’t do, it’s up to you to make your own decisions'.
"I’m very close with my family so I wouldn’t do anything anyway that would purposely disrespect them or embarrass them. I’m very aware of what they would potentially feel uncomfortable by."
