Michael Owen says he is "not soft enough" to tell his children that he loves them – preferring "tough love" instead. The former Liverpool and England striker, 46, and his wife Louise are parents to four children.

Gemma, 23, is an international dressage rider who appeared on Love Island.

James, 20, is a promising young footballer whose career was halted by a rare eye condition.

Emily, 18, is a regional athletics champion, and Jessica, 16, shares the family's passion for horses.

Owen says his children are "the most precious thing in the world" but insists that soft parenting "is not my nature".

He told Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing on his Great Company podcast: "I've never told my children that I love them. I've never said it.

"I just think, by default they know I love them. That's bad. I think most people are like that."

Laing interjected: "That's not bad, that's unhealthy."

But Owen continued: "Well, if you keep saying it, does it mean anything?

"Kissing them goodnight and sending them to school, and whatever they do, you just say 'Well done, well done,' even if they perform poorly, 'Oh, you tried so hard.' No, I believe in tough love.

"I'm not advocating for it, because I'd like to be a softer person.

"I think it's also an age thing. You grow up, you have more time to think, and you realize what matters.

"I'm clearly softer than I used to be, but still not soft enough to say those words."

Owen, who retired in 2013, now runs Manor House Stables in Cheshire with his family.

A recent fly-on-the-wall documentary titled Owen Family Gold gives fans a glimpse into their family life and their pursuit of further sporting success.

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