Everything Michael Owen has said about Gemma being on Love Island

Former Liverpool and Newcastle footballer, Michael Owen has been mocked by colleagues and Love Island viewers for his daughter’s appearance on the show. Gemma Owen is a current contestant on Love Island this year, much to her father’s dismay. The 19-year-old has caused a social media divide among viewers of the reality show due to her age. Some people have argued she is too young to appear on the show and have even called for a higher minimum age limit. Gemma has been in the villa for a month now and after dubbing it a “father’s worst nightmare”, the football legend has shared his thoughts on fellow Islander Luca Bish, who is coupled up with his daughter.

Michael Owen wished his daughter well when she first went onto Love Island but has since asked people to not bring up her being on the show. Speaking to ITV News, the former striker said: “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.

“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.”

via Instagram @themichaelowen

Ahead of the England v Germany football friendly, Michael Owen was a presenter and was teased by the other pundits about Gemma being on the dating show. Owen was introduced by fellow presenter Jules Breach, as “the father of Love Island’s Gemma Owen”. She continued to say: “Michael Owen here with us, a big night for the Owens last night, Michael, how are you feeling today?” The football legend put his hands over his face and replied: “Jules, I came all the way to Germany to try and avoid all that back at home, but you’ve brought it up straight away. I am feeling alright thank you. This is taking my mind off it so don’t bring it back up.”

During the Love Island heart rate challenge, Michael Owen shared a simple tweet to sum up his feelings about watching his daughter take part.

It has been reported by MailOnline that Michael is thinks Luca is a “decent fella”. While his daughter has been on the show, Michael has been relying on his wife to update him on what Gemma has been getting up to in the villa. A source has said: “As any dad will understand Michael isn’t exactly enjoying seeing Gemma’s love life play out on screen! There are things a dad doesn’t need to witness. He’s seen a few of the episodes and from what he’s witnessed he thinks Luca and the other guys seem like pretty decent fellas.

“But if Luca ends up officially going out with Gemma, he will definitely want to meet him and make up his own mind on the guy. Any father would.”

Michael will not be entering the villa for parent’s day

Michael Owen told Sky Sports he would not be taking part in parent’s day on Love Island. He said: “My wife will do that duty. I’ll represent the horses and she’ll represent the daughter.” It was rumoured he could be flying out to the villa as it was reported Michael had a free schedule in the last week of July as there would be no football fixtures that week.

via Instagram @louise_owen80

Featured image credit via @themichaelowen on Instagram.

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